SHENZHEN Airlines Co., Ltd. was founded in November 1992. It now owns a fleet of more than 100 passenger and cargo aircraft, consisting of Boeing 747s and 737s, and Airbus 320s and 319s, which are in service on over 200 domestic and international routes.

    Shenzhen Airlines is building its brand by continuously improving service quality through two sub-brands — “King Club” and “Shenzhen Air Girls” — which aim to provide excellent service when a passenger sets out on a journey. In addition, it also provides a growing number of featured products, such as “Flight via Shenzhen” and “City Express Line,” which enable passengers to enjoy more convenient and comfortable travel experiences.

    According to Shenzhen Airlines’ development blueprint, it will expand its fleet to more than 170 passenger aircraft by the end of 2015, with plans to introduce wide-body aircraft in due course. The company will forge itself into a well-known national carrier with its independent brand among competitors in the Asia-Pacific region. In the future, its service network will extend across Asia and other continents. Han Ximin

    ximhan@126.com

    THE Star Alliance network, which Shenzhen Airlines officially entered last week, provides comprehensive services for frequent flyers. With a range of benefits such as faster and smoother transfers and frequent flyer programs, loyal customers can enjoy a convenient, smooth and efficient worldwide travel experience.

    Now that it is a member of the alliance, Shenzhen Airlines, in addition to improving connectivity from its home base in Shenzhen, now enables its international passengers to benefit from a wider choice of transfer flights in China when connecting via the international airports in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.

    Shenzhen Airlines can now offer through check-in service for passengers connecting to and from flights with other Star Alliance members.

    “Shenzhen Airlines’ PhoenixMiles Frequent Flyer (FFP) members can now collect and redeem miles on the entire Star Alliance network. By the same token, FFP members of all other Star Alliance member carriers now receive mileage credits for eligible flights on Shenzhen Airlines and can redeem miles for travel on the Chinese airline,” Wang Jie, vice president of Shenzhen Airlines, said in an interview last week.

    “Shenzhen Airlines will also increase its flights to Southeast Asia and is planning to introduce intercontinental flights. Using the network of Star Alliance, Shenzhen Airlines will increase its international profile and international passengers will benefit from the accession,” Wang said.

    In addition, miles credited for flights on Shenzhen Airlines count towards achieving Star Alliance Gold and Silver Status. This entitles customers to enhanced benefits when traveling with airlines on the Star Alliance network. These include increased luggage allowance as well as access to more than 1,000 lounges for Gold Card holders.

    Star Alliance offers numerous fare products for both corporate and leisure customers and Shenzhen Airlines now sells and participates in a selection of these. In view of the strong business community in Shenzhen, the Star Alliance Corporate Plus product — which allows corporate clients to obtain corporate deals for travel on the Star Alliance network via one member airline — will enhance the carrier’s appeal to this market segment.

    Flights operated by Shenzhen Airlines can now be booked as part of the following Star Alliance fares: Round-the-World, Circle Pacific, Asia Airpass and China Airpass.