There is an air travel revolution going on in China and it's having a transformative impact globally. China has overtaken the United States as the world's biggest business travel market. As part of that travel boom, Chinese airlines are quickly spreading their wings and routes are becoming major players internationally. This month, CNN Business Traveller gets inside these behemoth Chinese carriers. CNN host Richard Quest puts their international service to the test, exploring what they have to offer and how they compare to the competition.
The program also looks at the Chinese game changers that are putting more cash and airlines miles in the pockets of budget minded business travellers, not just in China, but around the world.
Key highlights of the 30-minute special include:
China Eastern Airlines
Along with Air China and China Southern, China Eastern is one of China's three biggest state-owned carriers rapidly increasing its footprint. CNN's Richard Quest talks to the China Eastern' s Dong Bo, Chief Marketing Officer who elaborates on how China is booming as an economy and the Chinese population is willing to spend more on their travel and experience. China Eastern is upgrading their aircrafts, products and services to meet their customers desires and expectations. CNN is invited to their new training center to have a firsthand look at their safety and training processes.
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Ltd was founded in January 1993 in Hainan Province in China. It has grown from a small domestic carrier to a global airline, with routes across the world. As China's largest privately-owned carrier, Hainan Airlines has launched about a dozen routes to the United States.
Mileslife
CNN's Richard Quest meets Troy Liu, Founder of Mileslife and learns all about how to earn extra air miles from spa treatments to fine dining. Mileslife is an app that helps you earn air miles when you pay through the app to partner merchants. Mileslife was launched in China in 2015.
Check-In Asia
CNN speaks to Check-in Asia's travel expert and analyst Gary Bowerman who shares how the global tourism industry is pivoted towards China and it encompasses everything from backpacking to super luxury. Hence making business travellers a very strong target audience.
'Business Traveller' microsite: http://edition.cnn.com/travel/specials/business-traveller
'Business Traveller: China' trailer: http://cnn.it/2CiXTyJ
Airtimes for 30-minute special
Sunday, 24th December 0530, 1030 and 1830 HKT
Monday, 25th December at 1430 HKT
Tuesday, 26th December at 0030 HKT
Wednesday, 27th December at 2230 HKT
Thursday, 28th December at 0500 HKT
