BEIJING – Air China has moved its operations at Beijing Capital International Airport to the new Terminal 3.
The move signals the next step in an important string of milestones for China’s national flagship carrier.
“Over the past year, Air China has made a number of strategic moves that has put our airline on course to becoming a leading regional and global player,†said Kong Dong, deputy chairman of Air China.
“In December 2007, we joined Star Alliance. This emphasizes our commitment to international standards and provides our frequent flyers with a truly international network.
“Now we are moving into Terminal 3, which will expand our network potential and make us the airline of choice, not only for flights to and from China, but also across Asia and the world.
“And in August 2008, we will join hands as an official Olympic sponsor to welcome visitors to the Beijing Olympic Games. We are extremely excited about the year ahead,†Kong said.
With more flights going into and out of Beijing than any other international or domestic airline, Air China is poised to benefit from the recent Terminal 3 expansion.
The airport is now the world’s largest by landmass, and with 90 million passengers forecast by 2012 it is scheduled to become the world’s largest airport in terms of passenger numbers.
Terminal 3 expansion, along with its third runway, will also propel the Beijing airport from ninth to third busiest air hub in the first year.
