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To Safeguard the Lunar New Year Transportation
with Safety, Quality, and Efficiency

On the 23rd of January, a video conference for Air China’s Lunar New Year Transportation was held. The conference was attended by managers of Air China Fleet branch companies and bases along with Mr. Cai Jianjiang, EVP of Air China, Mr. Song Zhiyong, Senior VP of Air China Flight Safety, and Madam Yang Lihua, Senior VP of Air China Services. The purpose of the conference was to develop clear targets for Air China’s Lunar New Year Transportation.

This year Air China will operate 16 flights for direct-service charters between China mainland and Taiwan. For the PEK-TPE route, 14 newly painted B737-800 Olympic Fuwa Liners will be used and for the PEK-KHH route, two B737-700 Olympic Liners will be used. To safeguard the operation, Air China Fleet selected outstanding pilots. To handle and serve new routes and airports, Air China conducted several face-to-face meetings, enabling new captains to speak with pioneer pilots. Simulator training for targeted routes and airports was offered to cockpit members to enrich their pre-flying preparations. The Cabin Service Department perfected working procedures by assigning clear responsibilities for preparation and implementation. The flight attendant group consists of members from the Golden Phoenix Team, has an experienced chief purser and a multi-lingual inspector. Passengers will be awarded with small models of the Olympic Fuwa Liners.

During Lunar New Year, Air China will operate 29,080 scheduled flights which is a 13.23% increase over last year. There will be 1,624 additional flights and 314 charter flights, which is a 25.60% and 62.69% increase, respectively, compared with the same period last year.

The extra flights from Beijing are to Hohhot, Baotou, Sanya, Harbin, Xining and Chongqing. Air China Southwest adds flights to Lhasa, Luzhou, Wenzhou, Guangzhou and Daxian via Chengdu. The Chongqing branch adds flights to Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wenzhou and Changsha and the Zhejiang Company increases its capacity to Chengdu, Wuhan and Chongqing via Hangzhou. Domestic charter flights during the Lunar New Year total 262, 56 of which are from Beijing to Guangzhou, Guilin, Sanya and Haikou. The Southwest Branch will add 144 charters flights increasing capacity to Xiamen, Shenzhen, Changsha via Chengdu. An additional 48 flights are added from Chongqing to Changsha, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Xiamen. The remaining 14 charter flights will fly from Tianjin to Guilin, Sanya, and Wenzhou.

Air China set up a Lunar New Year Transportation working group and directors from different units were appointed to preside over safety production. Taking the fast changing climate and complicated operating environment into consideration, Air China Fleet carefully assigned crew members, established a plan of emergency, and strengthened its safety tactics. It strictly follows MEL aircraft release regulations and ensures that every released aircraft is with a high safety index. During the Lunar New Year period, weather around China consists of wind, snow, fog and thunderstorms. Air China Fleet analyzes different routes to anticipate flight delays and make plans accordingly.

The Air China Service Development Department drafted a working procedure for transmitting information during the Lunar New Year. This draft outlines the process of reporting and solving problems with sales, ground handling and in-flight services. The Ground Handling Department places great importance on flight punctuality. During flight delays, they will add additional staff and enforce the emergency response system to ensure passengers receive appropriate attention and care. A 24-hour service hotline will be available as well as a special service counter in the domestic boarding area.

The in-flight service will include decorating the cabin to create a New Year’s atmosphere. Festive music and New Year blessings will be broadcasted throughout the flight. Air China hopes to make passengers feel at home and experience safe, fast and convenient service.

During the conference closing, EVP Mr. Cai Jianjiang spoke of the great importance of the Lunar New Year Transportation. He highlighted three key areas to focus on: 1) Flight safety including cockpit assignments, aircraft maintenance, and operations, 2) Capacity including preparing for irregular circumstances in advance and paying special attention to the sales sector, and 3) Service including ground and in-flight services provided to satisfy customers.

Senior VP Mr. Song Zhiyong closing comments highlighted the importance of strengthening instructions during Lunar New Year Transportation and handling crew members residing out of base stations.

Senior VP Madam Yang Lihua emphasized the key areas of focus during the 2007 Lunar New Year Transportation including giving the increased captains and staff support, putting safety first, having customer orientated service, paying attention to the sales sector and making sure staff and assets are secure.