SkyTeam increases presence in Greater China, offering almost 27,000 weekly services in summer 2013
SkyTeam stated (17-Jun-2013) it is increasing its presence in greater China. In summer 2013, SkyTeam is offering 26,833 weekly services to, from and within the Greater China region, an increase of 26% in frequencies year-on-year. SkyTeam, which has four airlines from the region - China Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern and Xiamen Airlines - has grown its Greater China network by 50% over five years and now has presence in 147 cities operated by its members. SkyTeam MD Michael Wisbrun said: "Greater China flights account for over a quarter of all SkyTeam's daily departures and we connect this dynamic economic region to the world's key cities on every continent. SkyTeam continues to deliver the initiatives that focus on the over 350,000 daily customers enhancing their travel experience while bringing seamlessness between our members to a new level." Details include:
- Global connectivity: 14 of SkyTeam's 19 members serve Greater China region. This includes: Aeroflot, Aeroméxico, Air France, Alitalia, Delta, Kenya Airways, KLM, Korean Air, Saudia and Vietnam Airlines. The alliance offers the only direct link between China and Latin America with Aero Mexico flying from Shanghai to Mexico City twice weekly as well as services to Africa: From Guangzhou and Hong Kong to Nairobi and connecting to 45 destinations offered by Africa's SkyTeam member, Kenya Airways;
- "Greater China Connection" programme: Launched by SkyTeam's four China members this aligns scheduling and passenger services on Cross-Straits services;
- SkyPriority: Available at the majority of SkyTeam's airports in the region;
- Enhanced airport facilities: SkyTeam and its members have signed agreements with Beijing Capital International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to improve the customer experience. These include a co-located check-in facility in Beijing, as well as facilitating transfers for passengers connecting from one SkyTeam member to another at these hubs;
- Go Greater China pass: Offers flexible, discounted flights and a choice of 147 destinations;
- Travel products: The Round the World product offers customers 1000 destinations around the globe under one ticket. Booking facilities will be added to the Online Round the World products later in 2013. Meanwhile, the recently enhanced Global Meetings Product offers more convenience and more attractive pricing, through a new online tool for a minimum of 50 delegates with a wide range of fare discounts. SkyTeam passengers in China stand to benefit from the portfolio of Travel Passes in addition to our Round the World fares. Customers can take advantage of flexible, cost-efficient travel in: Europe, USA and Canada, Asia and South West Pacific, China, Russia and Mexico. [more - original PR]