With a capital of 20 billion US dollars, the Chinese airline Air China is the largest in the world, however, in terms of the number of passengers carried, it takes third place in China and is in tenth position on the planet.
The main competitors for the company today are carriers such 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. She always had ambitious plans, so the success of Air China is not accidental. Reviews of regular customers indicate the improvement of the fleet and services, as well as the safety of the carrier. In 2007, the airline gradually began to switch from transportation only through the territory of 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. Shares of Air China are listed on the stock exchanges of Shanghai, Hong Kong and London, the company also owns shares in several competing Chinese airlines.
The history of the Chinese airline Air China
Air China is the main international airline of China and the national carrier of the People's Republic of China. Founded in the capital of the most populous country in the world, it plays a special role for aircraft manufacturers and foreign airlines seeking to gain access to the untapped potential of the Asian market.
Air China has a logo that consists of VIP letters in the form of a phoenix, which reflects the carrier’s desire to serve its customers at a high level. Air China's fleet is about 70 aircraft carrying more than 16 million passengers a year.
Origin
Air China was one of several airlines created from the China Civil Aviation Administration in the mid-1980s. The Civil Aviation Administration and the Chinese Civil Aviation Bureau have been dependent on Soviet aircraft technology since 1949. Already in the 1980s, the Chinese began to compete with western airlines on international routes. Complicated adaptation to competition in the services 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 assigned the main responsibility for international flights, provided long-range aircraft, medium-haul aircraft (Boeing 737), as well as intercontinental routes.
Beginning of work
At the very beginning of the airline's operations, in 1988, Air China already operated on 32 international routes to 31 destinations, and also served 30 cities in China. It was the largest carrier in the country, only he was allowed to depict the national flag of China on his aircraft. In 1989, Air China made a profit of $ 106 million. In the same year, she entered into a joint venture with the 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 maintaining Boeing aircraft.
Expansion
In 1990, one of the main tasks 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, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Aviation launched an incentive program in order to raise the rating of airlines, as well as 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.
Service aboard Air China
Many passengers choose Air China. Traveler reviews confirm the good service aboard her aircraft. And the stories that during the flight you can smoke directly on board are just myths, like other "horror stories" about this carrier. Air China provides no worse service than other airlines in the world. A few years ago, the company made major improvements to its customer service quality work. At a time when some airlines in the world have slightly worsened their services, Air China is certainly improving. The crew, as a rule, speaks only Chinese and English; flight attendants are dressed very strictly. When making air travel, Air China provides an adequate level of service on board its aircraft, without any frills, so you should not expect the flight attendant to instantly fill an empty glass.
Flight network
Air China focuses most on China’s gigantic domestic airline market, but also has international flights. Although Air China hardly needs foreign customers, passengers from other countries flying with this airline still find flights surprisingly comfortable and modern.
Price for flights
Air China sets its prices to attract not only a large number of Chinese customers, but also foreigners. The latter will be pleasantly surprised by the fares and high competitiveness of the airline. Tickets have a low cost, and a decent service will be provided to the client during the flight.
Nutrition
Air China provides basic in-flight meals on board to passengers in all classes. Most likely, budget Chinese travelers do not have high expectations from Air China, so the menu will not disappoint them. The catering service of this airline is minimal; it aims to simply provide the traveler with adequate dishes. First and business class are great for sophisticated passengers. At the same time, the food on board Air China is devoid of any kind of delicacies, delicacies are not used in its preparation, but it is still tasty and fresh dishes. Passengers using the services of Air China must bear in mind that the cost of tickets for flights is low, so meals during the flight will be appropriate.
Entertainment program during flights
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.
Domestic Chinese flights are not very long, so it is unlikely to be bored during the flight. On international flights, passengers will be provided with a magazine in English and Chinese. Films shown - either in Chinese with English subtitles, or vice versa. If you plan a long flight, it is best to stock up on an interesting book or good music.
China Airlines
Currently, there are more than 40 airlines in China that are known to operate, most of which operate domestic flights. The largest international flights are Chinese companies such as Cathay Pacific (flights from Hong Kong), Air China (a 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 to China and the Pacific), Hainan Airlines (makes international flights from Beijing Airport), Shanghai Airlines (has a network of domestic flights, international flights from Shanghai). Most airlines in China specialize in domestic transportation. 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 (serving 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.
Passenger service at Chinese airports, baggage claim
Some may think that the rating of Asian airlines, including China, is low. No, these are no longer crowded airports of third world countries with passengers transporting chickens and goats. On the contrary, the airports in China are very clean and modern. They are attracted by their architecture, ensure the safety of passengers at a high level. The work of the personnel of the airports in China is efficient and fast. Tourists from Western countries, in particular Americans and Europeans, will realize how much they were mistaken when thinking about the service provided at Asian airports. Baggage is handled efficiently and quickly; its theft is recorded very rarely.
Beijing International Airport
Beijing, or Capital Beijing (such official names can be found), is China's largest international airport. Located twenty kilometers from the center of Beijing. The opening took place in March 1958. Beijing Capital Airport accepts airplanes 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 grab a bite to eat at the restaurants of this terminal, which serve a variety of cuisines, and use the special room for mother and child.
Near the airport there are a huge number of upscale hotels. If you need to get to the center of Beijing, you can take a taxi, which will cost 10-15 dollars. Having gone by electric train for $ 4, you can not only save money, but also not get into Beijing's many-hour traffic jams. You can also take a trip on a 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 Flights from Air China
The premium cabin of Air China, although it does not really correspond to the level of more prestigious airlines, however, it is noticeably improving every year. The business class seats on Air China airplanes are spacious, comfortable, you can relax and relax during the flight, but they lack a luxurious look. Like other airlines in China, Air China is improving rapidly; its airplanes are rarely crowded with passengers, unlike Western airlines. The crew respects the passengers. The management is trying to select attractive young women to work as stewardesses , which is noticeable even with the naked eye.
Economy China Air Travel
It can be said that the economy class of Air China is ordinary and does not have any outstanding features. For passengers who need a long-distance flight through China, a trip in the cabin of this class from Air China is perfect. Testimonials from customers flying longer distances say that the economy class staff at Air China only speak Chinese, and the food is not very interesting, which can make long flights look like forever.
Corporate culture
The Chinese carrier Air China is constantly improving. The company was once very corrupt and incompetent at almost every level of government, but in recent years there have been many major improvements. Until recently, making a profit by a company was almost of secondary importance. Earlier, managers, as a rule, were little interested in passengers, the staff was poorly trained. The airline managed to increase the level of service on its flights, which led to positive changes, increased the number of regular customers and Air China's revenue.
Safety in flight with a Chinese carrier
China's airlines have low safety performance. Sometimes it seems that companies are more interested in concealing accidents than in preventing or investigating them. Air China pilots may not have sufficient knowledge of the English language, which sometimes leads to a pilot error. Ground-based customer service has been careless in the past, but is now improving very quickly. Old Air China aircraft are replaced by the latest Boeing and Airbus models, as well as the modern Chinese Comac C919.
Key dates in the history of the company
In 1987, the Civil Aviation Administration of China was reorganized, with the creation of six large branches, one of which is based in Beijing. As early as 1988, Air China became independent from the Ministry of Civil Aviation of China. Already in 1989, the German Lufthansa was involved in a joint venture with the Chinese Air China. In 1991, the Chinese Ministry of Civil Aviation launched incentive programs to improve customer service in flight and to operate flights without delay. In 1994, the company's revenues exceeded $ 1 billion. In 1997, there was a general Asian financial crisis, and next year, huge capacities led Air China to billions in losses. In 2001, ten Chinese airlines combined to create a new competitive carrier. Today, Air China has the right to carry out regular passenger air transportation, air cargo transportation, as well as other activities to support air transport.
Company prospects
Air China is the largest commercial airline in China. It still attracts and every year increases international fame, improves its reputation. Aviation, Air China's aircraft offer a high level of customer service combined with a traditional Chinese welcome on board. The corporate logo, the phoenix, is a symbol of good luck. It is based on the artistic perception of the abbreviation VIP.
Air China makes non-stop flights between London Heathrow Airport and Beijing, operates on advanced aircraft, and offers the highest level of comfort in the cabin of the first, business and economy class. Air China provides an unrivaled network of flights between China and other countries of the world. The airline strives for a high level of safety for its flights and customer service, with a special emphasis on modern methods of personnel training and fleet maintenance. Continuous investments in Air China once again confirm that the company maintains its leading position.
The history of the development of Chinese civil aviation
The Chinese civil aviation in its development went through four stages: from the creation in 1949, regulation from 1958 to 1965, and complex promotion from 1966 to 1976. The stage of new development began in 1977. Until 1949, there were only 36 primitive airports in China that transported along the country's main routes. Due to years of war, Chinese airports required urgent repairs and improvements.
The creation of civil aviation
In the fall of 1949, the Communist Party organized an uprising of workers at two Chinese airlines, during which 12 aircraft were returned and 17 rebuilt. They made up the park. At the end of 1957, China's civil aviation controlled 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 ended in 1958.
Regulation period
In the early years of its existence, China's aircraft suffered heavy losses and was delayed in development due to the pursuit of high performance and set impossible plans. In 1961, aviation began to follow government policies aimed at improving industry performance. This allowed aviation to achieve significant improvements. In 1965, there were already 46 routes in China and 255 aircraft. In 1963, the government purchased Vickers Viscount aircraft manufactured in England. Also at this time, some airports were built and reconstructed, and the flight and passenger service conditions were improved.
Complex promotion (from 1966 to 1976)
In this period, the main focus is on the opening of long-distance international routes. Since 1976, the country's aviation has 8 international routes, the length of which is 41,000 km. Since 1975, Chinese airlines have been able to move from losses to revenues, at the end of 1976, aviation profit amounted to 35 million yuan, so airlines could not depend on state subsidies.
New period of development
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Most flights of Air China in Beijing take the 3rd airport terminal, built specifically for the 2008 Olympic Games. The airline notes that upon arrival in Beijing, passengers can use a number of useful services from the airline. There are also free services. So, for example, a passenger who arrives in the capital of China before midnight, when sending the next flight from Air China the next day, receives a free check-in at a special transit hotel. You can use this service in other cities of China. And for business-class clients, for example, an escort service at the airport is included in the price.