US. United Airlines, the world’s number two carrier, which slashed 75% of its flights to Hong Kong at the peak of SARS, has declared October to be a “Visit Hong Kong Month”.
The campaign will feature a full restoration of the pre-SARS Hong Kong flight schedule and a series of new Hong Kong-related promotions.
Hong Kong Tourist Board (HKTB) chairman Selina Chow said the United Airlines promotion sends a strong message to US travellers that the airline industry has full confidence in Hong Kong as a destination. United will be highlighting several events, which are built around traditional Chinese festivals and have strong appeal to North American visitors.
Meanwhile, United Airlines and Air China have confirmed a marketing alliance, including co-operation on code share flights, frequent flyer programmes and airport lounges, taking an important step toward expanding their networks.
The marketing alliance will take effect on 31 October when United’s 14 weekly China-US flights (daily Beijing-Chicago and daily Shanghai-San Francisco services) will carry United and Air China codes.
At the same time, Air China’s 12 weekly flights (four Beijing-Los Angeles, three Beijing-New York and five Beijing-San Francisco flights) operate under Air China and United flight numbers. In total, the two carriers will offer 26 non-stop code share flights a week between China and the US.
“Our new marketing alliance with Air China will provide our customers with more travel options and benefits,” said United Airlines chairman, president and ceo Glenn Tilton. “China’s aviation market is growing rapidly, and Air China’s extensive network covers all major business and travel hubs in China. The new relationship with Air China will further expand United’s worldwide network and access to China.”
Air China president Li Jiaxiang added: “Air China aims to become one of the world’s major airlines. To align with world-class airlines such as United is a key component of Air China’s globalization strategy. The agreement with United Airlines is an important milestone for Air China.”
