Northwest Airlines and CITIC Industrial Bank have announced that they have formed a marketing alliance for the benefit and convenience of travelers to the United States.

Northwest Airlines will offer bonus miles in its award- winning frequent flyer program to U.S. visa holders who use CITIC Industrial Banks visa application service and fly Northwest between March 1, 2002 and December 31, 2002.

The program, the first of its kind in China, aims to strengthen Northwest and CITIC's commitment to provide integrated travel andfinancial services to their customers.

"We are excited about the opportunity to team up with CITIC Industrial Bank and to provide integrated travel and financial services to travelers to the United States. In China, the frequent flyer program over the years attracted a large customer base of regular travelers who appreciate fast, convenient and reliable service. We are proud to be the first foreign airline to work with a fine company like CITIC to continue to strengthen our commitment to this market," said John Watkins, vice president and general manager for Northwest Airlines in China.

Liu Zhiqiang, vice president of CITIC Industrial Bank said, "Since it launched the Going Abroad financial service

center in August, 2001, CITIC has been continuously offering new services to its customers. Our cooperation with Northwest Airlines further broadens our business scope and adds value to our service."

Northwest Airlines is the world's fourth largest airline, with more than 1,400 departures daily.

( People's Daily March 6, 2002 )