China Eastern Airlines Co Ltd, one of the country's three largest carriers, said it will close its check-in counters for international and Hong Kong-bound flights 45 minutes before departure, a change from the current 30 minutes.

It will start the new practice this Sunday when the winter schedule begins.

The change is identical to the practice of foreign airlines operating at Pudong International Airport, said the Shanghai-based carrier.

(eastday.com October 24, 2003)