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AUSTRALIAN members of the SkyTeam Global Airline Alliance officially welcomed China Eastern Airlines into the fold as the 14th member at the airline’s Sydney office last night. The Shanghai-based carrier regards the move as a step forward in its vision to become one of the best carriers in the Asia Pacific market. “It’s a new era for China Eastern and cooperation is the key word with our partners in this alliance,” said Cathy Zhang, General Manager Oceania. She said the fast-expanding currently operates 377 aircraft to 171 cities globally. The carrier flies daily ex-SYD and MEL to Shanghai using A330 aircraft, and also has a significant codeshare pact with Qantas. SkyTeam Australian coordinator, Rafael Despradel, Korean Air’s Sales and Marketing Manager told Travel Daily the alliance’s family keeps growing, with China Airlines set to join on 15 Sep. “We have Garuda coming on board next year along with Aerolineas Argentina,” he said. “In terms of online carriers, we have 5 serving Australia at present but this will increase to 6 by the end of the year and by 2012 we will have a total of 8.” Pictured above at last night’s event are Michelle Kitto, Airline Marketing; Catherine Zhang, China Eastern; and Kelly Masters and Erika Haeberle, Czech Airlines. |
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