Air China and Shanghai Airlines joined the Star Alliance, the
oldest and largest airline alliance in the world, on Wednesday.
There was a ceremony held in the new Terminal Three, which will
open to passengers in March 2008, at the Beijing Capital
International Airport.
With the two new members, Star Alliance has 19 member carriers
operating 17,000 daily flights to 897 destinations in 160
countries.
Air China and Shanghai Airlines alone have added more than 40
new domestic destinations to the network.
Air China chairman Li Jiaxiang said, "By becoming a member, Air
China is set to undergo many years of strategic cooperation with a
large group of the world's leading airlines."
Shanghai Airlines chairman Zhou Chi said they were very excited
since "Shanghai Airlines can reach more places around the world and
deliver higher quality services and more rewards to its
customers."
In order to provide better interconnection between international
flights and domestic destinations in China, Air China, Shanghai
Airlines and other Star Alliance member carriers are working
together to improve the two key airports in China -- Beijing
Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong Airport.
Terminal Two in Shanghai Pudong Airport will also open in March
2008 and permit all Star Alliance members to operate from the new
terminal.
(Xinhua News Agency December 13, 2007)
