Delta expands network in China

Source: CNNGo As many as a million Chinese tourists traveled to the United States in 2011. Those numbers are expected to increase by up to 40 percent in 2012, in part due to the new streamlined U.S. visa policy for Chinese visitors. Reacting to the rapidly growing market, Delta Air Lines has announced that it is expanding its codesharing partnership with two of China's biggest carriers -- China Eastern and China Southern -- in order to enhance its China market presence. Bigger and better The new agreements, approved by Civil Aviation Administration of China on February 15, will allow both Chinese carriers to stick their codes and flight numbers on Delta-operated flights between Seattle and Beijing. China Eastern will also piggyback Delta-operated flights between Detroit and Beijing. The expansion is part of Delta's effort to brand itself as "a global premier airline" in China, according to the company. "[China Eastern and China Soutern's] extensive network and growing hubs in east and south China will complement Delta's existing services," said Hiroko Okada, Delta's regional corporate communications manager. All three carriers are members of SkyTeam Alliance. Codeshare history The Atlanta-based airline began codesharing with China Eastern last year and with China Southern more than 10 years ago on popular routes such as New York-Shanghai, Los Angeles-Shanghai and Los Angeles-Guangzhou. Asked how U.S. passengers feel about flying with Chinese carriers, Okada replied: "Chinese airlines have a fairly good safety record in the past decade. "Many major carriers are upgrading their facilities and improving customer services, especially on international routes." Delta currently operates 40 flights per week from China to various destinations in the United States. Once put into practice on March 25, the new agreements will increase the number of Delta's U.S.-China codesharing routes with China Eastern and China Southern to 45. Stressing customer experience In addition to increasing its China network, Delta, which was named "Top Tech-Friendly U.S. Airline" last year, is investing more than US$2 billion in upgrading airport facilities, global services and technology in 2013. According to Okada, enhancements include the deployment of fully flat seats in BusinessElite (Delta's business class) on all international long-haul flights, and construction of Delta's new international terminals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and JFK Airport in New York City. from China Travel & Tourism News http://www.chinatraveltourismnews.com/

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