Spring Airlines to launch in-flight car sales

Spring Airlines Co Ltd, China's only budget carrier, plans to become the first domestic airline to sell cars in the air from May or June.

Domestically manufactured vehicles will be sold for 100,000 yuan ($16,000) per car on average, the airline said on Tuesday.

Privately-owned Spring Airlines launched in-flight stores when it began operating in 2005, but was forced to close the business in 2011 after passengers complained about the noise generated by such sales.

In January this year, it reopened the in-flight stores, selling Chinese New Year gifts.

Analysts said the decision to launch in-flight car sales may not result in profits for the airline but will more likely serve as an in-flight advertisement for carmakers.