Air China now owns three million frequent flyer members, with VIP members reaching 60,000, according to the latest statistics from the company.

Air China is the first Chinese airline company to promote an air miles accumulation program to attract more frequent flyers. The program has cooperated with banks, hotels, insurance companies, travel agencies, telecommunication companies and car rental companies so far. Members can also earn credits in Air China's frequent flyer program.

Air China hopes to become China's most valuable, profitable and competitive airline company. Last year, the carrier invested 680 million yuan (85 million U.S. dollars) in the reconstruction of the first and business classes.

Since last July, the route from Beijing to New York has been operated with new cabins in the aircraft. This year, the routes to North America and Europe will also see new cabins, said Li Jiaxiang, president of Air China.

As China's national carrier, Air China now owns 170 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, operating 396 routes to 68 domestic cities and 35 foreign cities in 22 nations.

(Xinhua News Agency February 20, 2006)