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Spring Airlines
View on WikipediaSpring Airlines Co., Ltd. (Chinese: 春秋航空股份有限公司; pinyin: Chūnqiū Hángkōng Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī; lit. 'Spring-Autumn Airline Limited Share/Stock Company') is a low-cost carrier headquartered in Changning, Shanghai, China.[2][3] While the company adopted the English name "Spring Airlines", the Chinese name literally means "Spring-Autumn Airlines."
Key Information
Spring Airlines is the aviation subsidiary of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service. It reported a net profit of 950 million yuan ($143 million) in 2016. [citation needed]
History
[edit]The airline was given approval to be established on 26 May 2004. Its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 (formerly Lotus Air's), was delivered on 12 July 2005, at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Spring Airlines started operations on 18 July 2005 and the first flight on that day was between Shanghai and Yantai. Daily flights to Guilin were also initiated.
To keep operating costs low, Spring sells tickets exclusively from its ch.com website (and some designated ticket offices), bypassing travel agents. Spring no longer offers complimentary on-board meals nor complimentary water; however, passengers may purchase meals and beverages on board. In December 2006, the airline offered a 1-yuan promotional price which caused trouble with government officials.[4]
In late July 2009, Spring's plan to establish overseas routes was granted by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of the People's Republic of China, making it the first budget airline in China to explore the international market. The airline had plans to operate short-distance routes linking mainland Chinese cities to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam and Thailand.
On July 29, 2010, Spring Airlines launched its first international route linking its home city Shanghai and Japan's Ibaraki Airport, about 80 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.[citation needed] 2 months later, on September 28, the airline successfully introduced its first flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong with almost full passengers on board.[citation needed] Spring's daily flights from Shanghai to Macau commenced on 8 April 2011[5] with further international destinations following in the second half of 2011.
Since January 2015, the company has been listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.
Spring Airlines also operates a subsidiary in Japan and is the first Chinese airline to do so.[6]
Corporate affairs and identity
[edit]Branding and livery
[edit]
The Spring Airlines logo is designed with the initials "S" of Spring Airlines. It is composed of three overlapping and intersecting S's, which represents interaction, unity, and connection.
Spring Airlines' 3S logo stands for Safety, Smile, and Sincerity.
Spring Airlines' signature move of flying whenever you want is sliding the right palm toward the top of the left shoulder, symbolizing the ideal soaring into the sky.[7]
Destinations
[edit]


As of November 2024[update], Spring Airlines flies to the following destinations:
Codeshare agreements
[edit]Spring Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:
Fleet
[edit]As of August 2025[update], Spring Airlines operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet composed of the following aircraft:[24]

| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 75 | — | 174 | |
| 180 | ||||
| 186 | ||||
| Airbus A320neo | 47 | 7 | 186 | |
| Airbus A321neo | 12 | 4 | 240 | |
| Total | 134 | 11 | ||
On 29 December 2025, Spring Airlines agreed to buy 30 A320neo aircraft, the jets are expected to arrive in 2028 and 2032, the deal still needs government approval.[25]
Accidents and incidents
[edit]- On 6 June 2014, at Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport, an Airbus A320 operated by Spring Airlines experienced a runway excursion on the right side of the runway and struck a runway light. The pilot then attempted to go around, causing a tail strike. There were no injuries, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. An investigation was conducted by China's Accident Investigation Board.[26]
References
[edit]- ^ "Spring Airlines on ch-aviation.com". ch-aviation.com. Retrieved 21 November 2023.
- ^ "Spring Airlines Business Office & Airport Ticket Office Archived 2011-05-28 at the Wayback Machine." Spring Airlines. Retrieved on February 13, 2011. "Spring Airlines Head Office: [...] Mailing Address: Spring Airlines Customer Service Center. 4th Floor, Building No.3, Homeyo Hotel, No.2550 Hongqiao Road, Shanghai 200335 ." Address in Chinese: "邮寄地址:上海市虹桥路2550号航友宾馆3号楼4楼春秋航空股份公司客户服务中心"
- ^ Home Archived 2011-02-07 at the Wayback Machine. Homeyo Hotel. Retrieved on February 13, 2011. "上海市迎宾一路425号"
- ^ "China's Spring Airlines", Aviation Week & Space Technology, January 1, 2007.
- ^ http://www.businessnewsmacau.com/2011/04/spring-airlines-launched-shanghai-%E2%80%93-macau-service-from-8-april-2011/ Archived 2012-03-23 at the Wayback Machine 12 April 2011
- ^ Wang, Ying (30 August 2011). "Spring Airlines looks to Japan for expansion". China Daily. Retrieved 2 September 2013.
- ^ "Spring Airlines and Spring International Travel Introduction, Company Introduction".
- ^ "Spring Airlines adjusts planned Guangzhou international routes in Sep 2016". routesonline. Retrieved 1 September 2016.
- ^ a b Liu, Jim (25 September 2019). "Spring Airlines expands Macau network in W19". Routesonline. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
- ^ "Spring Airlines adds new SE Asia routes in W16". routesonline. Retrieved 10 November 2016.
- ^ "SPRING AIRLINES AUG/SEP 2024 GUANGZHOU INTERNATIONAL ROUTES ADDITION". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 29 July 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f "Spring Airlines NS24 Japan Service Changes". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
- ^ "Spring Airlines adds Shanghai Pudong - Okinawa service from late-Jan 2024". AeroRoutes. 7 December 2023. Retrieved 18 January 2024.
- ^ "Spring Airlines adds Shenzhen – Johor Bahru from Jan 2017".
- ^ "Spring Airlines NW22 International Network Additions".
- ^ "Spring Airlines plans Yangon launch in July 2019".
- ^ "Spring Airlines Adds Shanghai Pudong – Busan Service in NW24". AeroRoutes. 20 September 2024.
- ^ "Spring Airlines Resumes Shanghai Pudong – Kaohsiung Service From Jan 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 22 November 2023.
- ^ "SPRING AIRLINES ADDS BANGKOK DON MUEANG FLIGHTS IN 1Q23". Aeroroutes. 24 January 2023.
- ^ "Spring Airlines Expands Vietnam Network in 2H25". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 2025-06-01.
- ^ "Chinese Carrier May - Oct 2024 Vietnam / NE Asia Service Additions". AeroRoutes. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
- ^ "Spring Airlines adds Ho Chi Minh City service from July 2024". Aeroroutes. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Eastar Jet signs code-sharing deal with Chinese LCC". Yonhap News Agency. 24 July 2019.
- ^ "Orders and Deliveries | Airbus". www.airbus.com. 2024-04-03. Retrieved 2025-06-13.
- ^ Reuters (29 December 2025). "Two Chinese airlines plan Airbus jet purchases worth up to $8.2 billion". Reuters. Retrieved 30 December 2025.
{{cite news}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "Accident: Spring A320 at Xiamen on Jun 6th 2014, runway excursion and tail strike on go around".
External links
[edit]Spring Airlines
View on GrokipediaHistory
Founding and early operations
Spring Airlines was established in 2004 as a subsidiary of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service (Group) Co., Ltd., marking it as China's first private low-cost carrier. The airline received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) on 26 May 2004 to begin operations, with its initial headquarters located in Shanghai's Changning District. This setup allowed the company to leverage the parent travel agency's established network in the tourism sector, focusing on providing affordable air travel to domestic passengers.[2] The airline's inaugural commercial flight took place on 18 July 2005, operating from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Yantai Laishan International Airport. Early operations emphasized domestic short-haul routes, primarily connecting Shanghai to secondary cities across China, with fares set approximately 40% below those of traditional competitors to attract price-sensitive travelers. This strategy involved direct online and mobile bookings without reliance on traditional travel agents or the TravelSky system, enabling cost efficiencies from the outset.[3][4][5] To support its low-cost model, Spring Airlines selected an all-Airbus A320 family fleet, starting with a single leased A320 aircraft delivered in July 2005, chosen for its fuel efficiency and commonality in maintenance. The focus on this narrow-body type facilitated high aircraft utilization on short routes, minimizing turnaround times and operational expenses. A key milestone in its initial years came in 2006, when the airline transported 1.13 million passengers across 6,713 flights, demonstrating rapid market acceptance and achieving break-even within the first year.[6][5]Expansion and milestones
Following its establishment in 2005 with initial domestic routes from Shanghai, Spring Airlines began its international expansion in July 2010 by launching its first overseas service from Shanghai to Ibaraki Airport in Japan.[7] This marked the airline's entry into the global market as China's first private carrier to operate scheduled international flights, focusing initially on short-haul Asian destinations to leverage low-cost efficiencies.[8] In 2012, Spring Airlines established a strategic foothold in Japan through a 33% stake in Spring Japan, a low-cost subsidiary based at Tokyo Narita Airport, aimed at enhancing connectivity between China and Japanese cities while adapting to local regulations.[9] By 2021, Spring Airlines' ownership in the venture had adjusted to 30% following Japan Airlines' increased investment, allowing the subsidiary to operate independently with Boeing 737 aircraft on regional routes. This partnership supported broader pan-Asian growth, with Spring Japan serving as a bridge for cross-border traffic. A key financial milestone occurred on January 21, 2015, when Spring Airlines listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under the ticker SSE: 601021, raising capital to fuel fleet expansion and route development amid rising domestic demand.[10] The listing solidified the airline's position as a publicly traded low-cost carrier, enabling investments in an all-Airbus A320 family fleet and international network growth to over 50 destinations by the late 2010s. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted temporary suspensions of numerous international routes in 2020, aligning with China's strict travel restrictions and global lockdowns that reduced air traffic by over 60% compared to 2019.[11] Spring Airlines shifted emphasis to domestic operations during this period, achieving a relatively swift recovery by 2021 through increased frequencies on intra-China routes and government-supported stimulus measures, which helped restore passenger volumes and load factors above 90%.[12] As of August 2025, Spring Airlines' fleet had expanded to 134 Airbus A320-series aircraft, supporting enhanced operational capacity across its network of over 190 domestic and 50 international routes.[13] In October 2025, reports emerged of the airline considering a potential secondary listing in Hong Kong to access new capital markets and support further growth, though the company later clarified no immediate plans were confirmed.[14] In November 2025, amid escalating tensions between China and Japan, Spring Airlines introduced free cancellations and flight changes for passengers on Japan-bound routes in response to a government travel advisory.[15]Corporate affairs
Ownership and governance
Spring Airlines is a subsidiary of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service (Group) Co., Ltd., which serves as the majority stakeholder holding approximately 51.9% of the company's shares.[16] The airline has been publicly listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) since January 21, 2015, with the remaining approximately 48.1% of shares held by public investors and other institutional holders.[1][17] The company's leadership is headed by Chairman Wang Yu, who has served in executive roles since 2008, and President Wang Zhijie, appointed in 2017, both emphasizing operational efficiency and cost control in line with the airline's low-cost model.[16] Zhang Xiuzhi, a co-founder since the airline's establishment in 2005, remains a board member and contributes to strategic oversight.[18] The board of directors comprises a mix of executive and independent directors, ensuring balanced decision-making. Key committees include the audit committee, which oversees financial reporting and internal controls; the nomination committee, responsible for director selection; and the compensation committee, which manages executive remuneration.[18] As of December 31, 2024, Spring Airlines employs approximately 8,489 full-time staff.[19] Headquartered in Shanghai, the company maintains governance practices in strict adherence to SSE disclosure requirements and regulations set by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).[6][1]Financial performance
Spring Airlines has demonstrated steady revenue growth in recent years, reflecting its recovery and expansion in the low-cost carrier market. As of June 2025, the airline reported a trailing 12-month revenue of $2.83 billion, supported by increased passenger traffic and route diversification. For fiscal year 2024, revenue reached approximately $2.78 billion, marking an improvement from $2.52 billion in 2023, driven by domestic and international demand rebound.[19][20] The company's profitability remains a standout in China's aviation sector, underpinned by its cost-efficient model. In the first half of 2025, Spring Airlines achieved a net profit of CNY 1.2 billion (about $164.7 million), a 14% decline year-over-year due to rising fuel costs and competitive pressures, yet it retained its position as China's most profitable carrier amid losses at larger state-owned airlines. In the third quarter of 2025, the airline reported a net profit of CNY 1.167 billion.[21][22] This low-cost structure emphasizes operational efficiencies, such as a uniform single-class cabin configuration across its fleet and the absence of complimentary in-flight meals or beverages, which passengers purchase if desired, helping to maintain unit costs below industry averages.[4] Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Spring Airlines returned to profitability in 2021 with a net profit of RMB 39 million after recording losses in 2020, showcasing resilience through cargo operations and domestic route adjustments during travel restrictions. The airline has maintained consistent dividend payments to shareholders since 2016, distributing amounts such as CNY 0.21 per share in 2016 and continuing annually thereafter, signaling financial stability. As of November 2025, its market capitalization stands at approximately CNY 58 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its growth trajectory.[23][24][25] Looking ahead, analysts project Spring Airlines to sustain annual revenue growth of 9-12% through 2027, fueled by fleet expansions and new international routes that enhance capacity utilization and market penetration in Asia. This outlook positions the airline to capitalize on the recovering global travel sector while leveraging its cost advantages for sustained margins.[26][27]Branding and identity
Logo and slogans
The logo of Spring Airlines features a stylized emblem composed of three overlapping "S" shapes, introduced in 2005 upon the airline's founding, symbolizing the core principles of Safety, Sincerity, and Smile, collectively known as the "3S" philosophy.[6] The design represents interaction, unity, and connection among these values, with the green color palette evoking nature, growth, safety, and a sense of calm confidence to align with the airline's commitment to reliable and approachable service.[28] Since its debut, the logo has undergone no major redesigns, though minor refinements have been made over time to enhance digital compatibility and visual clarity across platforms, ensuring consistent representation of the brand's foundational identity.[29] Spring Airlines' primary slogan, "Don't think, Just fly!", has been in use since the airline's inception, emphasizing effortless and affordable travel by encouraging spontaneous bookings without overcomplication, often accompanied by a signature gesture of sliding the right palm upward to mimic free-flying wings.[6] This slogan underscores the carrier's low-cost model, promoting accessibility and simplicity for budget-conscious travelers. The airline's branding philosophy centers on a "low-cost, high-efficiency" approach as China's pioneering low-fare carrier, prioritizing affordability, safety, punctuality, and customer-friendly personalization to differentiate from full-service competitors while delivering value-driven experiences.[4] This ethos is reflected in direct online sales channels and a focus on cost-effectiveness without compromising core service standards.[6] The logo and slogan are applied uniformly across Spring Airlines' digital platforms, employee uniforms, and marketing materials, with the emblem integrated into aircraft liveries for cohesive brand visibility.[6]Livery and visual elements
Spring Airlines' aircraft liveries have undergone several updates since the airline's inception in 2005, reflecting adaptations to branding needs and digital trends while maintaining a core palette of green and white to symbolize vitality and affordability. The inaugural livery featured a predominantly white fuselage accented by a solid green tail fin, with the airline's website "china-sss.com" printed prominently on the side to promote direct online bookings—a pioneering move for Chinese carriers at the time.[30] In 2007, the livery received its first major revision, enlarging the website text for greater visibility amid the growing popularity of internet travel services, while retaining the basic white body and green tail structure.[31] Subsequent iterations introduced subtle orange accents to the design elements, enhancing visual dynamism without altering the fundamental low-cost aesthetic. These changes emphasized simplicity and cost efficiency, aligning with the airline's business model.[32] The third and current livery generation, introduced on December 3, 2021, streamlines the design for a more contemporary appearance. It consists of a clean white fuselage bearing the name "Spring Airlines" in bold, slightly tilted black lettering for a sense of speed and stability, with the English "SPRINGAIRLINES" in matching tail colors below. The tail fin displays a seven-layer gradient transitioning from deep green at the top to yellow-green at the bottom, extending along the belly for a vibrant, flowing effect, complemented by a golden 3S logo. The word "Spring" features an integrated gradient matching the tail, while the former "ch.com" domain has been omitted to reduce clutter and evoke a wireless, modern era. This update reinforces Spring Airlines' youthful, energetic identity as China's leading low-cost carrier.[33] Crew uniforms are green-based, prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and comfort to support efficient operations in a high-volume environment. Introduced in phases, the attire includes tailored suits for pilots and cabin crew, with updates focusing on breathable fabrics and ergonomic fits to enhance wearability during long shifts.[34] Visual standards across Spring Airlines maintain a consistent green and orange palette, extending the livery's colors to airport signage, in-flight materials, and marketing collateral for unified brand recognition. This cohesive approach underscores the airline's focus on accessibility and modernity.[33] Special liveries include promotional variants, such as the 2021 Oishi-branded Airbus A320 (B-8248) featuring an all-over orange scheme to advertise the snack partner, and the 2024 Bosideng-branded Airbus A320 (B-6862) with a colorful design promoting the apparel partner, highlighting the airline's strategy for sponsored designs that generate revenue without compromising core operations.[35][36] The overall design rationale prioritizes cost-effectiveness through minimalistic elements that minimize repaint expenses, while the modern, streamlined aesthetic bolsters the low-cost carrier's image of efficiency and approachability.[30]Operations
Business model and services
Spring Airlines operates as China's first low-cost carrier, employing a point-to-point route model that emphasizes direct connections between secondary cities to reduce operational costs and turnaround times.[5] The airline prioritizes high aircraft utilization, averaging approximately 9.3 flight hours per day per aircraft in 2024, which exceeds typical industry benchmarks for full-service carriers and supports its cost-efficiency strategy.[4][37] This no-frills approach provides basic transportation without complimentary amenities, instead offering paid add-ons such as checked baggage, onboard meals, and priority boarding to generate additional income while keeping base fares low.[38] The free carry-on baggage allowance for international routes, including China-Japan, is one piece up to 7 kg with dimensions not exceeding 20×30×40 cm; excess baggage is charged as checked baggage.[39] Ancillary revenues form a key component of Spring Airlines' business, derived primarily from fees for excess baggage, seat selection, and in-flight purchases like meals and beverages, which accounted for about 13.3% of total revenue in recent years.[40] These services allow passengers to customize their experience at an extra cost, aligning with the pay-for-what-you-use philosophy common among low-cost carriers. The airline's primary hubs are located at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), with secondary operations based in Guangzhou and Shenzhen to facilitate efficient network coverage.[41] Passenger services focus on simplicity and affordability, featuring a single economy class layout with 180 seats in a high-density configuration on its Airbus A320 fleet.[42] In-flight entertainment is not provided through onboard systems; instead, passengers are encouraged to use their personal devices for media consumption.[43] Spring Airlines does not offer access to airport lounges, reinforcing its budget-oriented model. For customer policies, the airline enforces strict fees for no-shows and changes, to encourage adherence to reservations. Its loyalty program, SpringPass, enables members to earn points on eligible flights for redemption on tickets, upgrades, and other services.[44] In sustainability efforts, Spring Airlines maintains a fuel-efficient fleet through ongoing modernization with modern Airbus narrow-body aircraft, which reduce emissions compared to older models.[45] The carrier adopted paperless boarding nationwide in China starting in 2018, contributing to reduced paper usage across its operations as one of the 35 participating airlines.[46]Destinations and routes
Spring Airlines operates a network serving a total of 111 destinations as of November 2025, with 85 domestic locations within China and 26 international points across 11 countries, predominantly in Asia.[47] The airline's primary hubs are located at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, which facilitate the majority of its operations, while secondary bases such as Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport support regional expansions.[48][49] Domestically, Spring Airlines maintains over 130 routes connecting more than 85 cities, with a strong emphasis on eastern and southern provinces. Key connections link major urban centers including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, Xi'an, and Guilin, enabling high-frequency services that align with the airline's low-cost model focused on efficient point-to-point travel.[48][6] In March 2025, the carrier expanded its Guangzhou base by adding four new routes, including a domestic link to Ningbo alongside international extensions.[50] Internationally, Spring Airlines flies to over 80 routes spanning 26 destinations in 11 countries and regions, prioritizing Southeast Asia, East Asia, and select Pacific locations. Prominent routes include services to Japan (such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa), South Korea (Seoul, Busan, and Jeju City), Thailand (Bangkok), Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City), Cambodia (Phnom Penh), and Singapore, with recent 2025 additions from Guangzhou to Phnom Penh and Chiang Mai enhancing tourism-focused connectivity.[47][48][50] The airline's routes emphasize short-haul flights, with average durations of 1 to 3 hours, catering to regional travel demands and incorporating seasonal adjustments to accommodate peak tourism periods in destinations like Bangkok and Jeju.[47]Codeshare agreements
Spring Airlines maintains a limited number of codeshare and interline agreements, primarily with regional and low-cost carriers, to facilitate route expansion and connectivity without significant investment in additional aircraft. A notable partnership is the codeshare agreement with Eastar Jet, established in July 2019, which enables strategic collaboration including code-sharing on select routes and enhanced connectivity between mainland China and South Korea.[51] In November 2019, Spring Airlines signed a codeshare deal with Iberia, allowing Spring passengers to book seats on Iberia's Shanghai-Madrid flights using Spring's flight code (9C), while providing Iberia customers access to four additional domestic destinations (Chongqing, Shenyang, Dalian, and Changchun) within China operated by Spring Airlines.[52] This arrangement supports through-checked baggage on qualifying itineraries and extends Spring's reach to European markets via Madrid. Through its majority-owned subsidiary Spring Japan, Spring Airlines benefits from an expanded codeshare with Japan Airlines, which was enhanced in August 2024 to include new routes such as Tokyo Narita-Beijing Capital, enabling seamless transfers for passengers connecting between China and Japan.[53] These partnerships grant access to over a dozen additional destinations across Asia and Europe, emphasizing low-cost regional extensions rather than integration into major global alliances like Star Alliance or oneworld.[54]Fleet
Current fleet
As of November 2025, Spring Airlines operates a fleet consisting entirely of the Airbus A320 family, totaling 134 aircraft with no wide-body types in service.[55] The airline's aircraft are either owned or leased, supporting its low-cost carrier model through efficient narrowbody operations on short- to medium-haul routes.[5] The fleet breakdown includes 75 Airbus A320-200 aircraft, each configured in an all-economy high-density layout with 174 to 186 seats and an average age of 11.5 years; 47 Airbus A320neo aircraft, also with 174 to 186 seats in a similar configuration and noted for their fuel efficiency, with an average age of 4.0 years; and 12 Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring up to 190 seats for higher-capacity routes, with an average age of 4.3 years. Of these, 8 aircraft are currently stored (2 A320-200, 5 A320neo, 1 A321neo).[55] All aircraft maintain high utilization rates, averaging 11-12 hours of flight time per day to maximize revenue.[56]| Aircraft Type | Total (incl. stored) | Active | Seats (typical) | Average Age (Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A320-200 | 75 | 73 | 180 (all-economy) | 11.5 | Standard configuration for domestic routes |
| Airbus A320neo | 47 | 42 | 180 (all-economy) | 4.0 | Fuel-efficient variant |
| Airbus A321neo | 12 | 11 | 190 (all-economy) | 4.3 | Higher density for busier routes |
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