With a capital of US$20 billion, Air China is the largest airline in the world, but it ranks third in China in terms of the number of passengers carried and is in tenth position on the planet.
The main competitors for the company today are such carriers as Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, China Southern Airlines Company Limited. The company has grown significantly since its inception in 1988. It has always had ambitious plans, so the success of Air China is not accidental. Feedback from regular customers speaks of the improvement of the fleet and services, as well as the safety of the carrier. In 2007, the airline gradually began to move from only within China to important international flights with an extensive network.
Beijing International Airport - one of the largest and most complex in the world - is the starting point for such flights. Air China is listed on the Shanghai, Hong Kong and London stock exchanges and has stakes in several competing Chinese airlines.
History of ChineseAir China
Air China is China's premier international airline and the national carrier of the People's Republic of China. Based in the capital of the world's most populous country, it plays a special role for aircraft manufacturers and foreign airlines seeking to tap into the untapped potential of the Asian market.
Air China has a VIP phoenix logo, reflecting the carrier's commitment to excellent customer service. Air China has a fleet of about 70 aircraft carrying over 16 million passengers a year.
Origin
Air China was one of several airlines created from the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration in the mid-1980s. The Civil Aviation Administration and the Chinese Civil Aviation Bureau since 1949 have been dependent on the aviation technology of the Soviet Union. As early as the 1980s, the Chinese began to compete with Western airlines on international routes. Difficult adaptation to competition in the service market, as well as a series of accidents between 1979 and 1983, created some pressure on carriers.
Already at the end of 1987, the Ministry of Civil Aviation of China was reorganized, resulting in six regional divisions: East, South, North, Southwest and Northwest, as well as Air China, based in Beijing. The latter company was given the main responsibility for international flights, provided long-haul aircraft, medium-haul aircraft(Boeing 737), as well as intercontinental routes.
Getting Started
Early in 1988, Air China operated 32 international routes to 31 destinations and served 30 cities in China. It was the country's largest carrier and was the only one allowed to display the Chinese national flag on its aircraft. In 1989, Air China made a profit of $106 million. In the same year, it entered into a joint venture with German company Lufthansa German Airlines, which provided 40 percent of the total capital (or $220 million) needed to establish the Ameco center in Beijing, specializing in the maintenance of Boeing aircraft.
Expansion
In 1990, one of the main challenges for the airline was to restore the low reputation of the company associated with delays or cancellations of flights, as well as poor service during the flight. In the early 1990s, China's Ministry of Civil Aviation launched a stimulus program to boost airline ratings and make a number of improvements. Air China hired special consultants from Singapore Airlines, known for its star crews. The company also leased several Russian aircraft with pilots for flights on some routes.
Air China Inflight Service
Many passengers choose Air China. Traveler reviews confirm the good service aboard her aircraft. And the stories aboutduring the flight, you can smoke right on board, are just myths, like other "horror stories" about this carrier. Air China provides service no worse than other airlines in the world. A few years ago, the company made major improvements to its customer experience. At a time when some of the world's airlines have slightly worsened their service offerings, Air China is definitely improving. The crew, as a rule, speaks only Chinese and English, the flight attendants are dressed very strictly. When it comes to air travel, Air China provides an adequate level of service on board its aircraft, without any frills, so you should not expect a flight attendant to instantly fill an empty glass.
Flight network
Air China focuses mostly on China's gigantic domestic air travel market, but also has international flights. Although Air China has little need for foreign customers, international passengers still find the flights surprisingly convenient and modern.
Flight price
Air China sets its prices in such a way as to attract not only a large number of Chinese customers, but also foreigners. The latter will be pleasantly surprised by the tariffs and the high competitiveness of the airline. Tickets are low cost, and the client will be provided with decent service during the flight.
Food
Air China provides basicin-flight meals on board for passengers in all classes. Chances are, budget Chinese travelers don't have high expectations from Air China, so the menu won't disappoint them. The catering service of this airline is minimal, it is aimed at simply providing the traveler with adequate meals. First and business class are great for sophisticated passengers. At the same time, the food on board Air China is devoid of any frills, no delicacies are used in its preparation, but it is still delicious and fresh dishes. Passengers using Air China's services should note that the cost of flights is low, so meals during the flight will be appropriate.
Flight Entertainment
Most flights have a standard entertainment option when flying with Air China. Customer reviews say that this is either a single TV screen for all passengers, or an individual monitor mounted in the back of the front seat, as well as a personal audio headset for each passenger.
Chinese domestic flights are not very long, so it is unlikely that you will get bored during the flight. On international flights, passengers will be provided with a magazine in English and Chinese. Movies shown are either in Chinese with English sub titles, or vice versa. If you are planning a long flight, it is best to stock up on an interesting book or good music.
China Airlines
Currently known to exist more than 40airlines in China, most of which fly domestically. The largest international flights are Chinese companies such as Cathay Pacific (flights from Hong Kong), Air China (national airline with a wide network of routes within the country and around the world), China Eastern Airlines (a large company based in the east of the country, operates domestic and international flights), Dragonair (flights in China and the countries of the Pacific region), Hainan Airlines (operates international flights from Beijing airport), Shanghai Airlines (has a network of domestic flights, international flights from Shanghai). Most airlines in China specialize in transportation within the country. These are companies such as Beijing Capital Airlines (departures from the Beijing capital airport), Chang An Airlines (located in the south of the country), China Eastern Yunnan Airlines (serves the territory of the Chinese province of Yunnan), China Southern Airlines (one of the largest airlines in China, operating routes in the southern part of the country), and others.
Serving passengers at Chinese airports, dropping luggage
Some may think that the rating of airlines in Asia, including China, is low. No, these are no longer overcrowded Third World airports with passengers carrying chickens and goats. On the contrary, airports in China are very clean and modern. They attract with their architecture, ensure the safety of passengers at a high level. The work of Chinese airport personnel is efficient and fast. Western tourists, in particular Americans and Europeans, will understandhow wrong they were when thinking about the service provided at airports in Asia. Baggage handling is efficient and fast, and theft is very rare.
Beijing International Airport
Shoudou, or Capital Beijing (such official names can be found), is the largest international airport in China. Located twenty kilometers from the center of Beijing. The opening took place in March 1958. Capital Airport accepts aircraft from airlines from all over the world, has a high workload. As part of the Beijing Capital International Airport, there are 3 passenger terminal complexes, one of which is recognized as the largest in the world. Passengers can dine at the terminal's many restaurants serving a variety of cuisines from around the world, as well as take advantage of a special room for mother and child.
There are a huge number of upscale hotels near the airport. If you need to get to the center of Beijing, you can use a taxi, which will cost 10-15 dollars. Traveling by electric train for $ 4, you can not only save money, but also avoid getting stuck in traffic jams in Beijing for many hours. You can also take a trip by city bus, 6 routes pass through the airport. Such a trip will cost up to 10 US dollars, tickets are sold at all stops.
Business class flight with Air China
Air China's premium cabin, while not quite up to par with more prestigious airlines, is getting better every year. Seats in business class on Air China aircraft are spacious,comfortable, they can relax and unwind during the flight, but they lack a luxurious look. Like other airlines in China, Air China is improving rapidly, its cabins are rarely crowded with passengers, unlike Western airlines. The crew treats passengers with respect. The management is trying to select attractive young women for work as flight attendants, which is noticeable even to the naked eye.
Traveling in Economy Class with Air China
It can be said that Air China's economy class is ordinary and does not have any outstanding features. Passengers who need intercity travel within China will be well served by this class of cabin travel from Air China. Testimonials from longer-haul customers say the economy class staff at Air China only speak Chinese and the food is not very interesting, which can make long flights feel like forever.
Corporate culture
Chinese carrier Air China is constantly improving. The company was once very corrupt and incompetent at almost every level of management, but there have been many major improvements in recent years. Until recently, making a profit by a company was almost of secondary importance. Previously, managers, as a rule, had little interest in passengers, and staff were poorly trained. The airline was able to improve the level of service on its flights, which led to positive changes, increased the number of regular customers and increased revenue for AirChina.
Safety in flight with a Chinese carrier
China's airlines have a poor safety record. Sometimes it seems that companies are more interested in covering up accidents than in preventing or investigating them. Pilots of Air China international flights may not have sufficient English proficiency, which sometimes results in some form of pilot error. Ground customer service has been sloppy in the past but is improving very quickly now. Old Air China aircraft are being replaced by the latest Boeing and Airbus models, as well as modern Chinese Comac C919.
Key dates in the history of the company's development
In 1987, the Civil Aviation Administration of China is reorganized, with the establishment of six large branches, one of which is based in Beijing. Already in 1988, Air China became independent from the Ministry of Civil Aviation of China. Already in 1989, the German Lufthansa was involved in organizing a joint venture with the Chinese Air China. In 1991, the Ministry of Civil Aviation of China launches incentive programs to improve in-flight customer service and operate flights without delay. In 1994, the company's revenues exceeded 1 billion US dollars. In 1997, there is a general Asian financial crisis, and the following year, huge capacity causes Air China to lose billions of dollars. In 2001, ten Chinese airlines merge to create a new competitive carrier. As of today, Air China has the rightcarry out scheduled passenger air transportation, air cargo transportation, as well as other activities to support air transport.
Company Outlook
Air China is the largest commercial airline in China. It still attracts and every year increases its international fame, improves its reputation. Aviation, Air China aircraft offer a high level of customer service combined with a traditional Chinese welcome on board. The company's logo, the phoenix, is a symbol of good luck. It is based on the artistic perception of the abbreviation VIP.
Air China operates non-stop flights between London Heathrow and Beijing, with cutting-edge aircraft and the highest level of comfort in First, Business and Economy Class. Air China provides an unrivaled network of flights between China and the rest of the world. The airline is committed to a high level of safety of its flights and customer service, with particular emphasis on modern methods of personnel training and fleet maintenance. Continuous investment in Air China confirms once again that the company maintains its position as a leader.
The history of the development of Chinese civil aviation
China's civil aviation has gone through four stages in its development: from its establishment in 1949, regulation from 1958 to 1965, and difficult progress from 1966 to 1976. The new development phase began in 1977. Until 1949 in Chinathere were only 36 primitive airports carrying out transportation along the main routes of the country. Due to years of wars, Chinese airports were in urgent need of repair and improvement.
Creation of civil aviation
In the fall of 1949, the Communist Party organized an uprising by two Chinese airline workers, during which 12 aircraft were returned and 17 restored. They made the park. At the end of 1957, the Chinese civil aviation operated 118 aircraft of various types, the main part of which were models from the Soviet Union. The state focuses on the construction of airports in the country, the main of which is Beijing Capital. Its construction was completed in 1958.
Regulation period
In the early years of its existence, China's aviation suffered heavy losses and was delayed in development due to the pursuit of high performance and unrealistic plans set. In 1961, aviation began to follow the government's policy of improving the performance of the industry. This allowed aviation to achieve significant improvements. In 1965, there were already 46 routes across China and 255 aircraft. In 1963, the government purchased British-made Vickers Viscount aircraft. Also at this time, some airports were built and reconstructed, flight conditions and passenger service were improved.
Complex promotion (1966 to 1976)
This period focuses on the opening of long-distance international routes. Since 1976, the country's aviation has 8 international routes, the length of which is41,000 km. Since 1975, China's airlines have been able to go from loss to profit, and at the end of 1976, aviation profits were 35 million yuan, making airlines independent of government subsidies.
New period of development
In 1987, the Chinese government decided to reform the civil aviation system by establishing separate airlines and airports. On the basis of the latter, six local civil aviation administrations of China are being established at the locations of the former Civil Aviation Administrations. They were government agencies, businesses, and airports.
Modern Development
In the spring of 2002, the Chinese government again restructured the country's civil aviation. After that, new corporations were formed: China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Travel Sky Holding and others. They became controlled by the central government. Further, 90 Chinese airports became subordinate to the respective city, district or province, and not to the General Administration. In 2004, the country's aviation carried 120 million passengers. Some time later, in 2010, there were already 1,880 regular flights in China, of which 1,578 were domestic and 302 were international.
In step with the times
Most of Air China's flights in Beijing are served by the airport's Terminal 3, which was built specifically for the 2008 Olympic Games. The air carrier notes that upon arrival in Beijing, passengers can use a number of useful services from the airline. There are alsofree services. So, for example, a passenger who arrives in the capital of China before midnight, when sending the next flight from Air China, receives a free accommodation in a special transit hotel the next day. You can use this service in other cities of China. And for business class customers, for example, the escort service at the airport is included in the price.
