How Does China Southern Address The Needs Of The U.S. Travel Market?

We understand the importance and impact of the U.S. business market coming to southern China. That is why we are continuing our efforts in making China Southern the best in service, routes and comfort. We host one of the largest networks in China and Southeast Asia, giving U.S. travelers a smooth experience to many destinations in the region. We have increased our schedule to four daily flights from LAX, allowing passengers more options for arrival times in China. And later this year travelers from China will be able to access direct flights to New York with the new A380. We are awaiting delivery of our Boeing 787 and A380, late this summer or early fall.

Later this year, we’ll also begin hiring local flight attendants, based on a program already tested in Korea and Japan. A cabin crew of U.S. residents of all ethnicities and backgrounds will offer a good match to our increasingly diverse U.S. passenger market.

Describe China Southern’s Business Class.

We are happy to announce our business class has received a 4-star rating through Skytrax, based on our dedication to improving the U.S. market with our infrastructure, cabin crew and, most importantly, our plane design. Our 777s offer a unique experience; passengers enjoy our Asian culture through our cuisine and hospitality. This year we are rolling out a new seat design for the 777 and other aircraft to give our passengers more comfort during long-haul flights. Our current 165-degree seating will be replaced by a complete 180-degree lie-flat seat arrangement, even increasing legroom.

What Opportunities Does China Hold For American Travelers?

In light of the world’s economy in the past few years, China has powered through fairly well and has seen an increase in business travel. China is home to many international companies which encourage meetings, events and new relationships. As China is so large, there are many diverse areas to visit for leisure and explore the different cultures; every city and province can keep you visiting for days. As Hong Kong and Guangzhou are large business hubs, they also encourage extending trips to do some sightseeing. We have luxury shopping, dining and historical landmarks within minutes and hours of Hong Kong.

Tell Us About Your Career In Aviation.

With a degree in foreign language from the University of China Civil Aviation, I started in the foreign affairs department at China Southern Airlines when it was founded in 1993. I quickly moved into the international business department. After seven years at headquarters, I moved to Kuala Lumpur as station manager; I received my MBA in Malaysia and became the country manager. We overcame great obstacles and increased routes and profits, making Malaysia a smooth operation. In 2007, my success brought me to Los Angeles as vice president of the Americas. It has been an honor to see China Southern grow into such a great and well-respected airline.