Air China spotlights service during break

Air China has ramped up its route capacity, services, ticket marketing and emergency preparations to provide a better experience for passengers during the Jan 26-March 5 travel rush for Spring Festival.

The national carrier plans to operate 67,691 domestic flights during that period, with a daily average of 1,693, representing a 32 percent increase over 2019 and a 40.6 percent surge compared to 2023.

In the international and regional markets, a total of 111 routes are slated, averaging 187 flights per day.

Air China is also increasing capacity on popular routes and adding flights for family reunions and homecoming trips, operating 1,128 flights to cities such as Dazhou, Sichuan province; Yanji, Jilin province; and Jiamusi, Heilongjiang province. Additional daily flights have been added to key tourism cities in China's northern and southern regions, including 54 for Haikou and Sanya, Hainan province, and 34 for Harbin, Heilongjiang province.

Capacity has also been enhanced for China's Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as Southeast Asia, with a year-on-year increase of 650 percent for routes such as Beijing-Phuket (Thailand) and Wuhan-Macao.

Diverse products

Air China is tailoring its services and introducing more targeted products to meet passengers' diversified needs during the Spring Festival rush. The Air China app supports changes for all tickets, provides ticket refund services for various scenarios and offers a "two-hour Mistaken Purchase Refund" and two "No-Reason Refund" vouchers for each user.

The company has remote self-service check-in at all 141 domestic stations and 56 major international and regional stations, and passengers can use the Air China app for one-stop check-in and seat selection, and to track the status of checked baggage. Pre-purchase discounts for additional baggage and door-to-door baggage services are also available.

Air China's air-rail intermodal products cover 73 domestic transfer cities. For the Spring Festival rush, the company has released over 1,100 discount offers for more than 300 popular routes on the 12306 platform. For the special needs of the elderly, children and people with limited mobility, the carrier provides 11 special travel services for online booking on its official mobile application platform.

Good atmosphere

During the Spring Festival rush, Air China is infusing a strong festive atmosphere into the travel experience. Its app has launched a New Year goods festival, offering continuous rewards such as signing in to win prizes, large-value coupons, flash sale prices for air tickets, and special red envelope covers. On the Air China Alipay mini-program, "Scan Blessings and Collect Cards" provides a 100 yuan ($14) airport transfer voucher in collaboration with multiple platforms for more discounts.

At some Air China check-in counters and lounge areas, passengers will have the opportunity to experience traditional Chinese customs such as calligraphy blessings and tasting tangyuan, a sweet dumpling symbolizing reunion. During flights, they can enjoy themed dumplings, tangyuan and exclusive Chinese-style pastries.

Safety first

To ensure safe and smooth travel, Air China is coordinating air-ground cooperation and maintaining overall linkage and management. Fifteen major production units and 105 positions oversee the safe takeoff and efficient operation of flights throughout the day.

In response to frequent adverse winter weather conditions, Air China has established emergency support mechanisms in terms of personnel, equipment and materials. Special attention is given to on-duty and on-call arrangements during the Spring Festival rush. The carrier has also assigned special teams and personnel to strengthen transportation command, refine contingency plans for adverse weather conditions, and provide passengers with safe, reliable and comfortable services.