China's Premier Airline Moves Forward Through Improved International Network
BEIJING, Dec. 3 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- As Air China approaches the one year anniversary of its membership with the Star Alliance, the airline, with the continued support of the National Civil Aviation Authority and the other members of the Star Alliance, celebrates the massive improvement in the products and services it now offers all its customers.
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In order to continue its rapid growth, and become a leading global airline by 2017, Air China developed a strategy of international expansion through hub construction at the beginning of this year.
In 2008, Air China launched several new domestic routes as well as direct charter flights between Mainland China and Taiwan. Air China has also introduced a number of new international routes. By becoming a member of the Star Alliance in December 2007, Air China joined the world's largest airline alliance, with 21 members and a network which takes up 30% of the global market share.
Air China now offers its passengers the opportunity to travel to 83 domestic and 41 international destinations. It is the domestic leader in terms of the number of flights it offers, and the airline is now the largest carrier of flights between China and Europe. Air China's move to the new Terminal 3 at Beijing International Airport on March 26, 2008, was a crucial step in creating a major international hub to facilitate the carrier's increased cooperation with other Star Alliance members and augment its expansion overseas.
Air China also provides a series of improved services for its passengers, such as offering a free stay at three-star hotel for passengers who cannot complete their flight transfer within 24 hours on the same day. The airline also offers international passengers the complimentary use of a luxurious lounge for customers who have to wait more than four hours for their flight.
