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BEIJING, Nov. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent years have seen Air China pressing ahead with its definite plan to cement the connectivity of its extensive network of both domestic and international routes by devising more transfer-in-Beijing-for-connections options. In particular, Air China has started many international routes, which are so scheduled and which go with such transfer services as to meet the needs of passengers who travel from a foreign country to a third country but transfer in Beijing (known in the industry as the Sixth Traffic Right). All this has wooed more and more passengers onto Air China flights -- they end up choosing to fly on Air China and transfer in Beijing before continuing their journey to other parts of the world.
Southeast Asia is Air China's important source market of transfer passengers. Known as the "New York of Asia", Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is the country's largest economic, cultural and transportation center. Its historic ties with Spain and the United States have given the city added international flavor. However, despite their close ties, it's not easy to travel between Manila and Europe. Now, no direct air links are available to connect the two parts of the world.
Air China's flights that allow passengers to travel from Manila to Europe/North America via Beijing are scheduled in such a way as to make transfers easy, operating wide-bodied aircraft as B777-300ER, A330-200 and A330-300 on these routes. Moreover, Air China has also launched many other products and services to benefit transfer passengers, including, among others, transfer hotel and excursions for passengers who qualify for 72-hour visa-free stay. The excursions, which last 1 to 3 days, are custom-made offerings for passengers who qualify for China's 72-hour visa-free stay policy, and help such passengers make the most of their time to experience Beijing's unique oriental charms.
Air China currently operates a network of 299 routes, including 72 international, 14 regional and 213 domestic routes, serving 154 cities, including 48 international cities, 3 regional cities and 103 domestic cities. As a member carrier of the Star Alliance, Air China can fly passengers to 1,329 destinations in 194 countries and regions. By fully utilizing the synergies of its hub in Beijing and its Asian, North American and European routes, Air China offers affordable, efficient and convenient travel options to passengers from around the world. In 2013, Air China has commenced myriad new services including Beijing - Houston, Beijing - Geneva, Chengdu - Frankfurt and Chongqing - San Francisco, expanding its international presence and benefiting the traveling public.
Europe is one of Air China's most important overseas markets, and now Air China is also the carrier operating the largest number of routes to Central Europe. The start of the Beijing - Geneva service this May has brought the number of Air China's European destinations up to 12. Geneva is a worthy addition to Air China's European schedule, which also includes the cities of Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf, London, Paris, Stockholm, Milan, Rome and Madrid.
Air China is intent on offering efficient and convenient services in North America. North America has become the carrier's second biggest overseas market behind Europe. Its 5 routes in the region include Beijing - New York, Beijing - Los Angeles, Beijing - San Francisco, Beijing - Vancouver and Beijing - Houston. Of these, the most recent Beijing - Houston service is the only connection between Beijing and the southern part of the United States, offering an additional travel option to passengers who travel to North America via Beijing.
