There was further evidence this week of the challenge involved in moving Macau away from its dependence on day trippers from neighbouring Guangdong province in mainland China.
East Star Airlines, which had been running direct flights from Wuhan in central China to Shenzhen and Guangzhou a short drive from Macau, suspended its operations at the weekend. The small private carrier had also been licensed since 2007 to fly direct to Macau, but never took up the option. Now the recession seems to have killed it off.
The company, based in Hubei Province, suspended operation from 15th March due to what the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) described as “heavy debts and weak inner management”.
