Today marks the first anniversary of British Airways' opening of its new Shanghai-London route. Mr. Fernando Suarez, General Manager of Greater China & the Philippines, stated that British Airways has already successfully transferred more than 40,000 passengers from Shanghai to the UK, accumulating more than 2.95 millions flight miles since the launch last year. "this is equal to 118 trips around the Earth." Fernando proudly shared with media interviewers.

Fernando, commented to media that he is very satisfied with the performance of British Airways in the Shanghai market. He also announced the gradual introduction of British Airways? upgraded business class, which BA has invested the enormous sum of 100 million pounds to develop and will bring to passengers service standards that are the best in the air.?  He also indicated that BA's strong performance doubtlessly results from its deeper understanding of each market segment, enabling them to provide the best service.

Speaking of the increasing competition, Fernando said, it is obvious that commercial aviation is a highly competitive industry. British Airways revolutionised the aviation world when we pioneered the very first flat bed in business class cabins in 2000. We must continue to lead the industry in this fiercely competitive market. The introduction of new Club World products will further distinguish British Airways from its competitors, providing even greater service to our business class travellers through persistent research into the needs of travellers.

Safety is the most important and primary need that flying passengers will request. Based on a latest Air Safety Special Report, BA sits on No. 3 among all other global airlines.

At the moment that BA is celebrating one-year anniversary in Shanghai/London route, another exciting news appears that BA has scooped the title of Airline of the Year 2006 at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards. This award is the world’s largest passenger survey of the airline industry, which is considered to set benchmarks across the airline business. BA is confident to sustain in Shanghai market with its long history, rich experience and strong network.  BA is now flying to more than 140 destinations around the world.  Moreover, it offers industry-leading products and services. In the China market, British Airways provides services tailored to meet the unique needs of our valued Chinese passengers, including Chinese food, Chinese cabin crew, Chinese in-flight entertainment and self-service seat reservation, ticket purchasing and boarding pass printing available online at ba.com.

Lastly, Fernando said that BA's senior management is very confident in the future of  British Airways as its knowledge and understanding of the Shanghai market grows.