SHANGHAI - Operating the most direct flights in terms of passenger capacity between the US and China, United Airlines Inc is eager to tap deeper into China's aviation market. Strengthening ties with Shanghai, the nation's financial center and a future international aviation hub, is high on the agenda of Star Alliance partners, said a senior executive from the Chicago-based carrier.
Being one of the five Star Alliance founders, "United has worked closely with aviation alliance partner Air China to identify opportunities to serve the Shanghai market that Shanghai Airlines used to serve," said James P. Mueller, vice president of United Airlines Pacific region. Former Star Alliance member Shanghai Airlines will change to SkyTeam after the merger with China Eastern Airlines.
China's plan to build 97 new airports by investing up to 450 billion yuan will make it the world's fastest growing aviation market. Shanghai as the future financial center is extremely important for the future development of aviation in China.
James P. Mueller, vice president of United Airlines Pacific region
By the end of May, as many as 278 multi-national firms had set up their regional headquarters in Shanghai, and more companies are trying to establish their branches in the coastal metropolis. The soaring demand from business travelers can be met by additional trans-Pacific flights.
United would be very interested in being part of that process, said Mueller. In addition to expanding United's own service in China, the carrier also plans to use Air China's existing network to serve areas that they cannot easily reach. "We are always looking where the next business opportunity is, and try to serve the emerging market most efficiently, including cooperation with Star Alliance members," he said.
Mueller refused to talk about the potential partners United has contacted, and instead he said that the candidate will ideally be among the Star Alliance members.
Under the umbrella of Star Alliance, United and Air China have had a strong relationship for many years, giving United a tremendous edge to grow not only in the major cities, but also in the secondary cities.
The two Star Alliance members' cooperation includes management exchanges between the two carriers, a new deal signed recently to provide heavy maintenance on 747 and 777 aircraft through Air China's maintenance plant, Asiana Maintenance & Information General OS (AMIGOS) in Beijing. "We would also like to deepen cooperation with Air China, hopefully a new agreement as well," Mueller said.
