Air China has signed a codeshare with bmi and launched a French version of its online check-in service, both of which reflect the carrier’s growing global status.
The codeshare agreement between the two Star Alliance members will see Air China’s CA code on bmi operated flights from London to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast and Manchester.
Additionally, Air China’s new French version of its website enables passengers departing from Charles de Gaule Airport to check-in up to 28 hours before departure. The website is already available in three other European languages: English, Italian and German.
The driving force behind these moves is the vast ‘new’ middle class demographic in China that is starting to travel abroad. According to the World Travel Trends Report released at the ITB in Berlin this March, the number of Chinese travellers making outbound trips could reach 79 million by 2015 – the largest outbound travel market.
For more information, visit www.airchina.com
Alisha Haridasani