'Smiling China' Kick-starts Service Upgrade

BEIJING, April 11, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Air China's "Smiling China" aircraft, which sports the livery of smiling faces, touched down at New York's Kennedy International Airport at 10:40 on March 31, 2013. The B-2035, one of the aircraft in Air China's B777-300ER fleet, is the prelude to a new endeavor to upgrade Beijing-New York operations.

To view the multimedia assets associated with this release, please click: http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61202-air-china-smiling-china-kick-starts-service-upgrade

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130411/MM91853)

The ceremony was attended by the Consul General of the Peoples' Republic of China in New York, Mr. Sun Guoxiang, General Manager of Air China North America, Mr. Chi Zhihang , Director of China's National Tourist Office in New York, Mr. Xue Yaping, and Deputy General Manager of JFK International Airport, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Mr. Jeff Pearse, as well as the inaugural flight's passengers.

Air China's Beijing-New York route – the most important and busiest between China and the United States – increased from seven to 11 times a week starting March 31. The newly added flights are CA989/990. The airliner used on the route was upgraded to B777-300ER, a type popular with business travelers.

In 2012, China was the world's second largest source market for outbound tourist traffic, and the United States was the most popular destination for Chinese travelers. Beijing's new policy also allows travelers from 45 countries, including the United States, to stay in Beijing for 72 hours during flight transfers without a visa. After in-depth market research and based on its deep understanding of business travelers' needs, Air China added an additional four weekly Beijing-New York on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

Efficient and reliable, the B777-300ER is Air China's preferred long-haul airliner. It features the best cabin interior in Air China's history, encouraging a relaxing, stress-free travel experience. First and Business Classes feature lie-flat seats, and personal power outlets and AVOD are available in all classes of service for passengers' entertainment.

Currently, Air China operates four routes to North America including Beijing to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Vancouver. To further cement its North American foothold, Air China also plans to start direct Beijing–Houston flights on July 11, 2013, the first service ever to link Beijing with the southern region of the United States.

SOURCE Air China