The International Air Transport Association has welcomed the implementation of a new air route over China that will reduce air traffic congestion during the Beijing Olympics.

"We call this route the Olympic Bypass. It will alleviate air traffic delays and congestion, as flights from Europe to Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong will no longer have to be channelled through Beijing. This is especially critical with the Olympics in August. The experience of previous Olympics host cities tells us that there will be significantly more air traffic in China's skies during the Olympics," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO.

The new route has been officially designated B208.

"The Olympic Bypass is the result of numerous discussions we have had with the Chinese authorities since 2006. By shortening the route by 60 nautical miles, we will save about 83 thousand tons of CO2 annually. This is a win-win for all — the Chinese Government, travelers, airlines and most importantly, the environment," said Bisignani.

In 2007, IATA announced a four-pillar strategy for achieving carbon neutral growth in the medium term on the way to a carbon emission free future. The International Civil Aviation Organisation has endorsed the four-pillar strategy, as well as the target to improve fuel efficiency by a further 25% by 2020 compared to 2005.