As the single sponsor of the "Experience China in Israel" program, the EL AL Israel Airlines will provide free round-trip tickets for Chinese performers, organizers and reporters. The airline will also help to promote the program, according to EL AL's China regional manager Helen Huang in an interview with China.org.cn on October 12.

Seats have been reserved for the Chinese side, Huang revealed. The airlines have decided to simplify the boarding procedure for the performers from China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe and Beijing Modern Dance Company. In addition, the airlines will hand out publicity brochures to the passengers, she said.

EL AL offers flight services to North America, Africa, Europe and Asia. It launched the first direct flight from Tel Aviv to Beijing in 1992. Three years later, it started flying to Hong Kong.

There are now 37 staff members in the airline's China office. Thirty of them are responsible for security checking. Boasting as "the world's safest airlines," EL AL requires its customers to go through a complicated security checking procedure, including inquiries as to the places to visit, time of stay and people to see, among many others. It usually takes about 10 minutes to finish the entire procedure. Some of the passengers may be asked to open their luggage for a thorough check.

The airline company has seen its business grow fast in China throughout the past several years. In 2008, it served more than 50,000 passengers in its Beijing-Tel Aviv airway alone. EL AL has now signed Special Prorate Agreements with its Chinese counterparts, including Air China Limited, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines. This allows passengers from China to get plane tickets to both large and medium-sized cities in Israel. With one transfer in Beijing, they can fly directly to Tel Aviv.

The "Experience China in Israel" program will open in Tel Aviv, the capital of Israel, on October 17. China Disabled People's Performing Art Troupe will stage a variety show entitled, "My Dream" at the opening. Beijing Modern Dance Company is also scheduled to present their modern dance show, "China Vision," at the event. Chinese movies and TV programs will be showed throughout the duration of the program.

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