| Sichuan Airlines to Launch Maiden Flight to Tibet |
| Xinhua News Aug. 19, 2005 – Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd. announced it will launch its maiden non-stop flight to Lhasa, capital of Tibet Autonomous Region on Saturday. An official with the airlines based in Chengdu, capital of southwest China’s Sichuan Province, said it launched a test flight from Chengdu to Lhasa on Tuesday. The non-stop flight between the two cities will be once every day, the official said. Sichuan Airlines has bought six A319s from the European-based Airbus for 2.3 billion yuan (US$283.6 million) to fly the Chengdu-Lhasa route. The planes, in A320 series, are tailored for plateaus. To make the aircraft adapted to weather conditions on the Tibetan Plateau, the company spent some 10 million yuan (US$1.2 million) on refitting each of the imported A319s. |
| Dalian Opens 10 New Int’l Air Routes |
| Xinhua News Agency, July 25, 2005 – Northeast China’s port city of Dalian opened 10 more international air routes Saturday to the cities in Europe, America, Oceania and Asia via Shanghai. The flights, all run by China Eastern Airlines, links the tourist, scenic coastal city in northeastern Liaoning Province to London, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Melbourne, Sidney, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, and Phuket in Thailand, according to the airlines. Passengers to take the flights could go through custom inspection in Shanghai, but their their luggage can be consigned in Dalian, according to the Zhoushuizi Airport in Dalian. China Eastern Airline has also signed a cooperation agreement with the Dalian municipal government to help turn city into a transportation hub in northeast Asia, according to the airlines. |
| China’s 1st low-cost airline goes into operation |
| Chinanews.cn, July 18, 2005 – Private low-cost carrier Spring Airlines launched its maiden flight on Monday, becoming the newest player in China’s increasingly modern travel industry. Spring is one of private airlines entering the Chinese market following the launch of China’s first private airline of the modern era, Okay Airways Co., in March. Like Okay, Spring avoids the more heavily traveled routes such as Beijing-Shanghai, focussing on niche markets for tourists and business travelers… |
| Air France Serves Beijing Twice Daily |
| TTG June 17, 2005 – Air France has added an extra daily flight to Beijing this week. Operated on Boeing B777-300 aircraft with seating capacity of 310, the added frequency makes Air France the first European airline to serve Beijing twice daily. The new flight departs Paris at 18.55, reaching Beijing at 10.30 the next day. The return flight leaves Beijing at 13.15, reaching Paris at 17.40 the same day… |
| Sri Lankan Airlines begins Colombo-Beijing services |
| Xinhuanet, China, June 15, 2005 – Sri Lankan Airlines commenced thrice-weekly services between Colombo and Beijing on Wednesday, providing new opportunities for business and leisure travelers between the two Asian countries… |
| British Airways launches London-Shanghai direct passenger flight |
| Xinhuanet, June 2, 2005 – A Boeing 777 passenger plane of the British Airways landed at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport Thursday morning, marking the official operation of the air route between London and Shanghai… |
| Direct flight link to be introduced between Thai Phuket, Chinese Hainan |
| Xinhuanet, China, May 27, 2005 – The first immigrants from China’s island province Hainan to arrive in Thailand’s southern resort province of Phuket had to make the arduous journey by sea, but soon visitors from Chinese Hainan province will be able to visit Phuket much more easily, thanks to the introduction of a direct flight link… |
| Spanish airline to launch direct flight to China |
| Xinhuanet, China, May 25, 2005 – Another Spanish airline company announced Wednesday it will launch direct passenger flights from Madrid to China’s Beijing and Shanghai as of July 4… |
| Continental Airlines Opens New Route To China |
| CriEnglish.com May 25, 2005 America’s 6th largest airline Company Continental Airlines is announcing the start of a new daily nonstop service on June 16 between Beijing and New York. It’s the first nonstop flight route between Beijing and New York operated by a US Airline. However Continental is not the first US Airline to operate flights between China and the US. As China’s economy grows, competition has also intensified between US airlines to grab a bigger share of the Chinese market… |
| Non-stop flights launched between Toronto and Beijing |
| Xinhua News, May 11, 2005 — Air Canada, one of the world’s largest airlines, said yesterday it will launch non-stop flights between Beijing and Toronto from June 3. They will be the first scheduled flight directly connecting China’s mainland with eastern Canada. Air Canada will offer three flights each week in June, increasing to four a week in July… |
| HK Ready to Receive ‘Golden Week’ Tourists |
| china.org.cn Hong Kong Tourism Commission (TC) has joined hands with various government departments and the tourism industry in drawing up measures to fully prepare for the possible surge of visitors from the Chinese mainland during the National Day Golden Week period (around Oct. 1 and 7)… |
| Nation Filled with Festive Mood |
| china.org.cn Flags, fountains and flowers. You’ll find plenty of them in Beijing and everywhere across China, dressing up city squares for the 56th National Day, which falls on Saturday. On Friday night in Beijing, about 1,500 people from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and foreign countries attended a reception and banquet at the Great Hall of the People. Premier Wen Jiabao gave the keynote speech, offering “festive congratulations” to all and saluting China’s greatness, another National Day tradition… |
| Weather Forecast for National Day Holidays |
| china.org.cn During the National Day holidays, one stronger stream of cold air will affect the country. Meanwhile, south China and areas south of the Yangtze River will probably be hit by another typhoon, which will bring strong winds and heavy rainfall to above regions and the coastal areas in southeast and south China as well as east sea areas and south sea areas. I One stream of cold air to hit northern China. October 1 to 2, eastern parts of northwest China, north China, northeast China, the Yellow-Huaihe rivers areas and the Yangtze-Huaihe rivers areas will experience light to moderate rainfall with force 5 to 7 northerly winds and temperatures will also drop 6 to 10 Celsius degree. October 3 to 7, most of northern China will be dominated by sunny to cloudy skies with mild winds. Temperatures will climb up gradually. II Precipitation expected in southern China… |
| Macao People Spent 16 Bln in Mainland in Jan-Aug |
| china.org.cn , As Macao keeps a closer tie with mainland, more and more people travel from Macao to the mainland. From January to August, about 17 million people visited the mainland from Macao, up 24 percent than last year. Meanwhile, Macao people spent a total of 16 billion yuan (US$1.97 billion) in the mainland, up 25 percent. Information from Guangdong Tourism Bureau showed that from January to August, about 79 million people paid visit to the mainland, up 12.74 percent. Among them, 17 million are from Macao… |
| Travel Along Expressway in China |
| china.org.cn Driving out tours are often linked with adventurous journeys to the mountainous regions in Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang or Yunnan provinces. These tours, however, might not be applicable to every one, especially those who has a family sedan. For a more comfortable journey, many people might choose expressway to travel. At present, China has built a network of expressway in the country, many of which lead to interesting, but not that populated tourist sites in the country. These expressways are safe and convenient for drivers, thus becoming more and more popular with urban people. In Chengdu City, for example, some families decide to drive out during the coming National Day holidays, to places such as the Zigong Dinosaur Museum in south Sichuan, the bamboo forest in Changning County, or the stone caves in Xingwen county… |
| 2,100 Flights to Be Added During National Day Holiday |
| china.org.cn China will increase over 2,100 flights during the upcoming National Day holiday, with 500,000 more seats offered. Some 2.6 million Chinese passengers will travel by air during the seven-day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, up 12 percent compared with the previous year. The added flights mainly focus in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming and other tourism cities. The first and last three days will be the peak season of the National Day holiday. The aviation industry has entered into high season, with 400,000 passengers transporting everyday and load factor is close to 75 percent… |
| Summer Palace Tops Beijing’s Scenic Spots |
| CriEnglish.com Sep. 29, 2005 – As the National Day holiday is approaching, Beijing has launched an activity to evaluate its numerous scenic spots in preparation for this peak travel period in China. The Summer Palace, the imperial retreat residence built during the Qing Dynasty, got the highest rating from the 28 examinees. The activity was organized by the Beijing Tourism Industry Association. It mainly focused on the service standards and environmental quality of the locations. Visitors’ opinions were also taken into consideration. Besides the Summer Palace, the Beijing Botanical Garden, the World Park and the Temple of Heaven were also praised. The results show that the overall state of the tourism destinations in the capital is better than in previous years, and that both the security measures and sanitary facilities are improving… |
| 2,100 flights to be added during National Day holiday |
| Xinhuanet Sep. 29, 2005 – China will increase over 2,100 flights during the upcoming National Day holiday, with 500,000 more seats offered. Some 2.6 million Chinese passengers will travel by air during the seven-day holiday from Oct. 1 to 7, up 12 percent compared with the previous year. The added flights mainly focus in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming and other tourism cities. The first and last three days will be the peak season of the National Day holiday. The aviation industry has entered into high season, with 400,000 passengers transporting everyday and load factor is close to 75 perc.. |
| Jilin Takes Measures to Control Epidemic |
| Xinhua, Sep. 27, 2005 – The epidemic hemorrhagic fever (EHF) in northeast China’s Jilin Province is rapidly spreading from mountainous regions to the plain areas and the city proper, according to the Jilin Provincial Disease Prevention and Control Centre… |
| First Electronic Tourist Map Launched |
| Chinanews.cn Sep. 27, 2005 – An electronic tourist map was recently launched in east China’s Shandong Province. Being the first of such kind in China, the map can help tourists to choose the best way to go to a certain place, to find out the distance between two places and the cab fare needed. Covering 17 tourist spots in the province, the map provides 4,069 pieces of information covering accommodation, tourist spots, travel agencies, entertainment locations, catering and other public services. Tourists can search for the location of a certain tourist site on the map, or let the map display the best way between two places, their distance and the cab fare. The map can also show information along the route and on the neighboring area. For some tourist sites, it can show its three-dimension picture. The website address is http://map.sdta.cn. |
| 176 Flights Cancelled for Military Exercise |
| Xinhua News Sep. 23, 2005 – Military exercises along the southwestern coast of South China’s Guangdong Province have caused the cancellation of 176 flights from Wednesday to today. A spokesperson for the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) confirmed the flight cancellations yesterday. The flights make up only part of the total between Guangdong and adjacent provinces. The spokesperson said regular services would resume tomorrow. Air traffic control was the reason cited for the cancellations… |
| Forbidden City to Get Face-lift |
| China Daily, Sep. 20, 2005 – The Chinese government will spend 1.5 billion yuan (US$1.84 billion) to revamp central Beijing’s Forbidden City, also known as the Imperial Palace or Palace Museum, over the next 15 years, sources from the museum said. The face-lift will repair old buildings, dilapidated floors and fading color paintings as well as artistic antiques and articles of historical interest that need protection, said Zheng Xinmiao, curator of the Palace Museum… |
| Top Hotel Group to Expand China Business |
| Xinhua News, Sep. 19, 2005 – As China’s business travel thrives and Beijing Olympics approach, the world famous hotel group fastens their pace into China. Intercontinental Hotels Group, one of the world’s top hotel chains, carried out a road show in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing. Representatives from the Chinese mainland, Thailand, Spain and Britain conferred with local business people and travel agencies, promising for quality service in their hotels… |
| Shanghai-Taipei Direct Flight Proposed |
| China Daily, Sep. 16, 2005 – Taiwan-based People First Party (PFP) Chairman James Soong proposed at a forum yesterday the initiation of direct flights between Shanghai and Taipei as a first step to promoting all-round direct flights between Taiwan and the mainland… |
| The Magnificent China |
| The Independent, Sep. 12, 2005 – When the flight no MH197 of Malaysian Airlines spread its wings headed to Beijing, from Zia International Airport Dhaka, sitting inside the aircraft, I could hardly guess how magnificent and gorgeous China is. I did not have a clear idea about the people, economy, politics and life style of the country.. |
| Disneyland’s Cost a Hurdle for Chinese |
| LA Times, Sep. 10, 2005 – SHANGHAI – Disney cartoons first appeared on Chinese television in 1986, and Zhu Aihua was one of those glued to the tube. “Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck were on at 6 o’clock,” says the Guangzhou woman, now 25. “It was our family dinner time. So usually I took a tiny bench and sat in front of the TV to watch the show while I was having dinner.” |
| Visitors Experience Chinese Social Life in Hangzhou |
| Chinanews.cn Sep. 8, 2005 – Foreign visitors traveling in China might be eager to know and experience a typical and common life of a Chinese resident living today. To keep in line with such trend, Hangzhou has selected about 100 sites in the city deemed as social activity centers. |
| Festival of China to Open in US |
| ChinaNews.cn Sep. 2, 2005 – Festival of China, the largest exhibition of Chinese culture in the US history, will be held this October. It is a grand cultural activity between Chinese President Hu Jintao’s visit to the US in Sept. and US President Bush’s visit to China in Nov… |
| Domestic Tour Prices Slump |
| Shanghai Daily Sep. 1, 2005 – Price-sensitive travelers might be happy to know that they can enjoy low-cost tours, while not being bothered by crowds of people at popular scenic spots, over the coming fortnight, the off-peak period for traveling, eastday.com reported… |
| Confucius’s Hometown Finished Renovation |
| Xinhua News Aug. 29, 2005 – Qufu, the birthplace of China’s preeminent philosopher Confucius, plans to restore its ancient city walls and streets ahead of the philosopher’s 2556th birthday anniversary, which falls on September 28.. |
| Forbidden City to Open Wider to Public |
| Chinanews.cn Aug. 27, 2005 – To celebrate the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the Forbidden City Museum, the Hall of Military Prowess (Wuying Dian)will open to public on Saturday after it completes two years of renovation. A cultural exhibition will also be held in the hall where some of the classic and Buddhist books of the Qing dynasty will be on display… |
| Biking in Guilin: back to nature |
| Xinhua News, Aug. 23, 2005 – Escaping from the crowd and noise of cities, we came to Guilin, whose enchanting scenery was traditionally acclaimed as “the No. 1 in the world”. With great passion, we choose bike, not car, as our transport to enjoy the joys of nature. We started from Guilin to Xing Ping, a small town on the east bank of the Li River, 63 kilometres from Guilin. It took about half of the day to bike there… |
| China on Dengue Fever Alert After HK Case |
| Xinhua News, Aug. 23, 2005 – The Ministry of Health began monitoring dengue fever cases across the country on Friday, as the infection of a Hong Kong woman by the mosquito-borne disease was confirmed on Thursday… |
| Airfare Discount Banned, Experts Say Not Market Oriented |
| CRI Aug. 19, 2005 – Earlier this month, one could pay 500 yuan to fly from Beijing to Guangzhou. It was good news for travelers as the price was not much higher than train tickets. However, the move was banned just 4 days after travelers enjoyed the big discount of 30 percent… |
| Tibet to Have One More Airport |
| Xinhua News, Aug. 17, 2005 – China will build an airport in Ngari Prefecture of the Tibet Autonomous Region, a regional government official said here Tuesday. The project is part of the nation’s development plan for the next five years, said Yan Shijin, deputy director of the regional development and reform commission… |
| Two generations find harmony in China travels |
| The Seattle Times, USA July 22, 2005 – First of all, we don’t sing, unless you count the shower.So what on earth were we doing in a Chinese riverbank park, on a sultry summer afternoon, in front of a crowd of 200 smiling souls, cordless mikes in hand, belting out “Jingle Bells”? And “Edelweiss.”… |
| Foreign diplomats offer advice to Huangshan Mountains |
| People’s Daily, June 13, 2005 – Diplomats from 12 countries and their wives sightsaw at the Huangshan Mountains on May 28 and 29, 2005. The natural beauty and profound culture of the Mountains have left them unforgettable impression. They offered ardent and constructive advice to the Huangshan Mountains too… |
| Kekexili uninhabited zone to open to tourists |
| Chinanews.cn, June 1, 2005 – Kekexili uninhabited zone, a “forbidden zone for tourists” which is famous for its naturral view and primitive ecological environment, will be open to tourists for the first time soon.WIth this in-depth travel to Kekexili named “Enter Kekexili and Protect the Green River Source” tourists will have a change to go deep inside the Kekexili uninhabited zone by 4WD jeep and visit the rare and precious wildlife such as chiru… |
| Southwest China to be world’s cave tourism destination |
| Chinanews, May 26, 2005 – At present, China’s cave resorts receive about 40 million tourists from home and abroad annually and play a very important role in the country’s tourism industry. Most of these cave resorts are located in southwestern regions, such as Guizhou, Guangxi and Chongqing… |
| Zhujiajiao a thousand-year-old town |
| Chinanews, May 26, 2005 – Zhujiajiao, a more than 1,700-year-old town near Shanghai rich in traditional culture and customers, has many typical buildings of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1616-1911) dynasties.These ancient buildings are integrated with the interlaced watercourses; many streets as well as resident house lie along river branches and water ditches. The town, famous for its abundant bridges, lanes and corridors, has great cultural appeal. |
| Lessons from China |
| Express Hotelier & Caterer, India and China, in the reckoning of the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) are the world�s fastest growing tourism economies. It was not surprising that the two countries occupied centre stage during the global summit organised by the Council in Delhi last month. What also came across vividly was that irrespective of the �fastest growth� India has miles to go before it can catch up with much smaller neighbours like Singapore, Malaysia or Thailand. |
| German gets compensated for fake paintings |
| China Daily, Mar. 15, 2005 – A German art collector who bought fake paintings at a shop in Beijing was yesterday given back 90,000 yuan (US$11,000) he paid for the goods following an agreement in the capital. The Wenzhijie Culture and Arts Service Centre, which sold the paintings to John Korfer, also had to pay him 57,500 yuan (US$6,900) in compensation. Korfer originally bought five paintings from the Wenzhijie centre in 2002, thinking they were by famous artists. The result was reached yesterday at the Beijing High People’s Court following an out-of-court settlement. Both parties said they were satisfied with the outcome. |
| Qomolangma Base Camp listed in “Once in a Lifetime Trips” |
| Xinhua Net Mar 8, 2005 – Trek to Mount Qomolangma Base Camp has been placed in seventh position in a list of top 10 “Once in a Lifetime Trips” compiled for the year 2004 by a leading international travel and tourism company. The base camp is located in northern Nepal, which is the only South Asian country to be chosen in this prestigious list, shows the list released Tuesday by iExplore.com, the Chicago-based tourism company… |
| Gorgeous Scene of Yellow Dragon |
| China Internet Information Center – Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) Scenic Area, also in northern Sichuan’s Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, neighbors the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area. It was named after the ancient Huanglong Temple within the area. The most remarkable scene in the area is the Huanglong Valley noted for its unique open karst landscape… |
| United Celebrates its 3,888,888th Passenger Flying from China to the United States |
| Chicago, June 14, 2005 –As the first U.S. airline to launch nonstop service between China and the United States, United (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) today commemorates its 3,888,888th passenger to fly from China to USA. “Since launching the first China – U.S. route in 1986, United has been committed to building a bridge between China and the United States, promoting bilateral trade and tourism, and providing the best and most convenient services for customers traveling between the two countries,” said Sidney Kwok – United general manager of China. “As United employees, we are very proud that United provides convenient, safe and comfortable service to so many customers, and we are excited to join in this celebration and meet the 3,888,888th passenger to fly on United from China into the United States.” |
| Non-stop flights launched between Toronto and Beijing, China |
| Xinhua News, May 11, 2005 — Air Canada, one of the world’s largest airlines, said yesterday it will launch non-stop flights between Beijing and Toronto from June 3. They will be the first scheduled flight directly connecting China’s mainland with eastern Canada. Air Canada will offer three flights each week in June, increasing to four a week in July. |
| Singapore Airlines to increase flights to Beijing, China |
| Xinhuanet, Mar. 28, 2005 — Singapore Airlines (SIA) will increase one flight between Singapore and Beijing everyday from June 1 this year, announced the carrier on Monday. This will add another 288 seats to SIA’s present twice-daily flights, representing an increase of 50 percent in capacity, according to a statement by the airlines. Coded SQ822, the Boeing 777-200 aircraft will depart Singapore at 16:50 p.m. and arrive in Beijing’s Capital International Airport six hours later, and the return flight, SQ821, will leave Beijing at 23:55 p.m. and arrive in Singapore at 06:05 a.m. the next morning. With this new flight, SIA and its regional wing SilkAir will operate 120 flights every week to the main cities in China, including Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Xiamen, Chengdu, Chongqing, Fuzhou and Kunming. |
| Non-stop Flight from Shanghai to Lhasa(China) |
| Xinhua News, Mar. 26, 2005 — Travelers to Tibet in southwest China will no longer have to have a stopover at Chengdu Airport as the China Eastern Airlines will begin a non-stop flight next year from Shanghai to Lhasa, capital of Tibet. A company official said Saturday the Shanghai-headquartered China Eastern had signed an agreement with aircraft giant Airbus to buy five Airbus A319s which are suitable for the flight. The official did not disclose when the non-stop flight could be available between Shanghai and Lhasa, but said the new Airbus planes would be delivered beginning February 2006 and through July 2007. |
| Continental Airlines Announces Launch Date for Start of Service to China |
| NEW YORK, March 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Continental Airlines (NYSE: CAL) today announced that it has received final approval from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to begin service to Beijing, China from Newark Liberty International Airport. Daily nonstop service will begin June 15 and will be operated by a 283-seat Boeing 777-200ER. Tickets will be available soon through continental.com and other distribution channels. Continental, which serves more airports around the world than any other airline, will be the only U.S. carrier offering daily nonstop service from New York to the People’s Republic of China. |
| Air Canada to Fly non-stop from Toronto to Beijing, China |
| Xinhua News March 4, 2005 — Air Canada will launch a non-stop flight from Canada’s Toronto to China’s capital Beijing from June 2, the company said. It will be the first non-stop air route linking eastern part of Canada to China’s mainland, the company said. The Beijing-Toronto flight will take 13 hours, four hours less than the former route via Vancouver. The opening of the new route will provide more choices to passengers from China to South America, as the flight via Toronto could take four to ten hours less than flying through European countries. The flight will be served by A340-300 passenger airplane. On every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, flight AC031 will take off from Toronto at 10:00 a.m. local time and on every Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, flight AC032 will fly from Beijing at 1:20 p.m. Beijing time. As the largest air carrier between Canada and China, Air Canada already has non-stop air routes from Shanghai and Beijing to Vancouver, on Canada’s west coast. |
| Flight from Hongkong(HK) to Xiamen, China |
| Xinhua News Agency March 1, 2005 — Cathay Pacific Airways celebrated Monday the success of its first passenger service to Xiamen. Flight CX350 departed Hong Kong on schedule at 10:05 a.m. Monday and returned from Xiamen at 13:45 p.m. The flight’s arrival marked an important milestone in Cathay Pacific’s ongoing effort to strengthen Hong Kong as a global hub and gateway to the Chinese mainland, said a release of Cathay Pacific Airways. Xiamen has long held strong overseas connections. With the new services to the city, Cathay Pacific offers passengers greater choice in providing same-carrier connections through Hong Kong to points across the region and up to 90 destinations around the world, it said. |
| China is preparing to start its first private budget airline |
| International Herald Tribune, France, March 1, 2005 — In the trail of Southwest Airlines, Easyjet, Ryanair, and other cut-price carriers that have transformed air travel, comes Okay Airways, China’s first attempt at a privately owned, low-fare airline in China. |
| CAL to kick off New Year’s flights to Beijing, China |
| Taipei Times Jan. 19, 2005 – VIRGIN TRIP — The Taiwanese carrier will make the first cross-strait holiday voyage — albeit routed out of its way via Hong Kong airspace — from Taipei to Beijing . China Airlines (CAL) will take the lead on cross-strait Lunar New Year charter travel by flying from Taipei to Beijing at 4:05am Jan. 29, according to a schedule for the holiday flights unveiled yesterday by the six Taiwanese carriers. |
| United Airlines to Expand Nonstop Service to China with Three More Flights from Chicago to Hong Kong |
| Chicago, January 13, 2005 — United Airlines, the leading U.S. carrier to China, is expanding its service to Hong Kong to meet growing customer demand. United in June will launch three more flights between Chicago and Hong Kong, for a total of 10 nonstop flights per week. As the only U.S. carrier with nonstop Chicago-Hong Kong service, we have seen increased customer demand for this service during the past 18 months, said Mark Schwab, Vice President-Pacific. United is pleased to further improve our service by providing additional flights to Hong Kong for customers and cargo traveling from the U.S. Midwest and East Coast. Beginning June 7, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, United Flight 829 will depart Chicago at 3:10 p.m. and arrive in Hong Kong at 7:45 p.m. the next day. Starting June 10, on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays, United Flight 828 will depart Hong Kong at 10:10 a.m. and arrive in Chicago at 11:40 a.m. the same day. Customers who book and fly a paid, qualifying roundtrip flight through united.com by Dec. 31, 2005, will earn a booking bonus of 1,000 bonus miles. |
| Foreign Airlines Face Safety Checks in China |
| China Daily Dec. 17, 2004 — Starting next year, foreign airlines that apply to conduct passenger or cargo business in China must be certified by regional civil aviation authorities before doing business. Those already operating in the country must be certified before 2007. The General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) says the new regulation will go into effect next year and covers foreign flights landing in and taking off from China. |
| Weihai, China to Open to Foreign Planes |
| Xinhua News, Dec. 13, 2004 — Weihai, a port city in east China’s Shandong Province, will soon be opened to foreign planes under the approval of the State Council, China’s top governing body.The move creates a new outlet at the Bohai Bay Rim and plays an important role in promoting economic and trade cooperation specifically between China and the Republic of Korea and Japan, an official with the Shandong provincial port office said.With a flight distance of 450 km between Weihai and Seoul, the Chinese port city is a hot spot of investment for ROK businessmen. Weihai has air connections with about a dozen Chinese cities.To facilitate opening of the port, the terminal building of the Weihai international airport has undergone an upgrading construction. The airport’s communications, navigation and logistic supply systems are suitable for opening. |
| U.S airlines start war of words in battle for flight to China |
| Chicago Daily Herald Nov. 24, 2004 — Three of the nation’s largest airlines and several smaller carriers have made their final presentations to federal regulators and are taking potshots at each other in a competition to win the first new flights to China in more than a decade. The stakes are high. Facing fierce competition at home, U.S. carriers view China as a lucrative market with a growing economy. The winner will join UAL Corp.’s United Airlines and Northwest Airlines Corp., which already fly to China. |
| Paper-made air ticket to be cancelled in China |
| Xinhuanet, Nov. 22, 2004 — China is working hard to move from paper to electronic air tickets before 2007. The test work is going smoothly and China might reach its goal ahead of the date set by the International Air Transport Association, China Radio International reported Sunday. The association recently proposed to cancel paper tickets around the world before 2007. A Chinese expert says the change is not difficult, and only requires a move of customers’ personal information from paper tickets to computers. For passengers, E-tickets are more convenient and can be picked up upon arrival at the airport, rather than days or weeks in advance. |
| United Launches Daily Nonstop Service between Chicago and Shanghai, China |
| On Sunday, Oct. 31, 2004 — United Airlines will begin daily nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), China. To launch its Chicago-Shanghai service, United is offering customers a Mileage Plus� bonus miles* promotion and limited-time introductory fares. “United is the only U.S. airline to provide nonstop passenger service between the United States and mainland China, and is proud to be at the forefront of the unprecedented expansion in the U.S./China air travel and cargo markets,” said Graham Atkinson, senior vice president-Worldwide Sales & Alliances. “Today’s flight represents greater convenience and travel options for passengers, as well as the opportunity to speed products to market and enhance trade and travel between these two great nations.” |
| In-flight Mobile Phone Use to Be Banned in China |
| Shenzhen Daily October 26, 2004 — People caught using mobile phones on aircraft could be detained for up to five days, according to a draft law being reviewed by the National People’s Congress (NPC) Standing Committee. Violators could also be fined up to 2,000 yuan (US$244), according to the draft law on public order administration. The NPC Standing Committee began its weeklong review session Friday. |
| US Airline to Launch Non-stop Daily Flights Next Month, China – USA |
| China Daily, Oct. 18, 2004 – United Airlines will inaugurate its new non-stop daily service from Shanghai to Chicago on November 1 to tap massive market potential. The dramatic expansion in the US airline’s services to China comes hot on the heels of a landmark aviation pact between the two countries’ governments. The launch of the new service means UA will have four air routes to China — two to Beijing and two to Shanghai, which fly to and from Chicago and San Francisco. |
| United Applies for Authority to Become the Only U.S. Carrier to Fly Nonstop Between the United States and Guangzhou, China |
| Chicago, August 31, 2004 – United Airlines today filed an application with the U.S. Department of Transportation for the authority to launch daily, nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the new Baiyun International Airport (CAN) in Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, in the Peoples Republic of China. United has the opportunity to apply for the right to fly daily between San Francisco and Guangzhou as part of a recent historic aviation agreement between the governments of the Peoples Republic of China and the United States. If approved, United intends to begin San Francisco-Guangzhou service using Boeing 777 aircraft via Tokyo in March 2005 and upgrade it to nonstop Boeing 747 service in 2006. |
| Guangzhou, China to Detroit U.S. Flight to Open |
| Beijing Weekend August 13, 2004 A new flight linking Detroit in the United States and Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, will be launched on October 31 this year. The route will also take in Japan’s capital, Tokyo, according to US Northwest Airlines. With the opening of the new route, passengers can fly between Guangzhou and some seven port cities in the US, including Honolulu, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, Portland of Oregon, San Francisco and Seattle, with only one transfer. For the new route, a Boeing 747-400 will be used for the Detroit – Tokyo section. A Boeing 757-200 airliner will link Tokyo and Guangzhou, with 20 business-class seats and 162 economy-class seats. The tickets for the new line went on sale on August 9. |
| United Airlines New Chicago Shanghai, China Service on Sale Today |
| PR Newswire, July 29, 2004 – United Airlines today announced that tickets went on sale today for its new daily, nonstop flights between Chicago – O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Shanghai’s Pudong International Airport (PVG) . Service begins October 31, 2004. United also announced that it is offering special introductory fares from the U.S. East Coast and Midwest to Shanghai for as low as $389 each way, based on required roundtrip purchase, as well as up to 15,000 bonus Mileage Plus(R) miles. United is the only carrier to offer nonstop service from Chicago to Shanghai, China. |
| US-China agree new air deal |
| Travelbiz.com.au July 26, 2004 – The number of flights between China and the US is set to explode following the signing of a new air access deal. Over the next six years US-China flights could increase from the current 54 a week to 249 a week. The agreement allows for an increase in the number of airlines operating US-China services from four to nine. US carriers will also be allowed to build hubs in China from 2007, and there will be no limitations on the number of destinations US or China airlines can service (currently US carriers can operate to just five Chinese cities, and their Chinese counterparts can fly to 12 US cities.) |
| Air Routes Change in China |
| Shenzhen Daily July 27, 2004 — More than 50 air routes linking Shenzhen and other parts of China will have to be adjusted after relocation of the Guangzhou International Baiyun Airport. “All our flights to and from Shenzhen are to be rerouted,” said Liu Tongsong, a China Southern Airlines manager based in Shenzhen. “But the rerouting will have no effect on flying time,” he said.Guangzhou’s Baiyun Airport will be relocated to Huadu, north of central Guangzhou and more than 20 kilometers from the old airport August 5. After that, all flights passing Guangzhou will be rerouted. The original Shenzhen-Changsha flight passes Shuikou, Shilong, Zhuliao, Yingde and Changsha. After rerouting, it will pass Qiehuangjiang, Shilong, T Point (a navigation station), Yingde and Changsha.Only three Shenzhen flights will remain unchanged. These are for Jinjiang, Xiamen and Haikou. |
| United Airlines Announces Plans for nonstop Chicago-Shanghai, China Service |
| Chicago, June 18, 2004 — United Airlines (OTCBB:UALAQ.OB) today thanks the governments of the Peoples Republic of China and the United States for their collaborative effort, resulting in a new agreement liberalizing air services between the countries. Under the new agreement, United plans to apply for authority to launch daily, nonstop service between Chicago OHare International Airport (ORD) and Shanghais Pudong International Airport (PVG). The new agreement provides United the opportunity to apply for additional nonstop service to China, as well as increases the carriers code-share rights to China with Air China and Star Alliance members. |
| Cathay Pacific to Open Non-stop New York Air Route from July 1 |
| Xinhua News June 12, 2004 – Cathay Pacific Airways will strengthen Hong Kong’s position as a global aviation hub with its launch on July 1 of daily non-stop flights to and from New York, according to a press release from Cathay Pacific on Friday. Cathay Pacific will, from July 1, be the only airline to operate a daily non-stop service from New York to HongKong. And with a second one-stop service via Vancouver it will be the only airline to offer customers the choice and convenience of two flights a day. |
| United Begins Daily Nonstop Service between San Francisco and Beijing |
| SAN FRANCISCO, June 10, 2004 – United Airlines (OTCBB: UALAQ.OB) today marks the launch of its daily nonstop service between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Beijing, the People’s Republic of China (PEK) with promotional activities around the city that include free rickshaw rides in downtown San Francisco and Chinese lion dancers at SFO. |