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Air China Moves to New Jumbo Terminal (T3)
at Beijing Capital International Airport

On March 26th 2008, Air China and Star Alliance member carriers will move to the Beijing Capital International Airport new Terminal 3 (T3). T3 is the biggest terminal in mainland China and is the country’s largest airport investment. It serves as a key endeavor for welcoming and supporting the 2008 Olympics. The T3 project started on March 28th 2004 and it encompasses over one million square meters ranking first worldwide in terms of single terminal size.  It will have three terminals, two towers and three runways in operation simultaneously.  It contains a runway that is 3,800 meters long and 60 meters wide, which is capable of handling Airbus’ huge A380 superjumbo. It is anticipated that the annual passenger volume will be doubled by 2015.  

The transportation facilities for T3 are ready for use. Passengers can ride the Light Rail from Dongzhimen station in downtown Beijing to the south wing of T3. Furthermore, three expressways and 7000 parking lots will serve the public.

The T3 terminal will meet world-class standards. As the main carrier operating in T3, Air China will apply CAPSS, FGOS, ECI and BRS systems, which are inline with the IATA concept of simplifying the business.

As the Star Alliance home carrier in Beijing, Air China plans to use state of the art MUOR (Move Under One Roof) practices.  Six Star Alliance member airlines, including Shandong Airlines, will relocate to T3. This will ensure a passenger friendly interface between Air China and the Star Alliance member carriers.

T3 will be instrumental in allowing Air China to pursue its hub-and-spoke strategy, achieve high operational efficiency and enhance service quality.

T3 officially opens at midnight on February 29th, 2008

Appendix: Star Alliance Member Carrier List

Official Members:
*Air Canada (AC), Air China (CA), ANA (NH), Asiana Airlines (OZ), Austrian (OS), LOT Polish Airlines (LO), Lufthansa (LH), SAS (SK), Shanghai Airlines (FM), Singapore Airlines (SQ), THAI (TG), United (UA), Air New Zealand (NZ), BMI (BD), South African Airways (SA), Spanair (JK), Swiss (LX), Tap Portugal (TP), US Airways (US).

Observers:
*Turkish Airlines (TK), Egypt Air (MS), Air India (AI).

*Carriers listed in bold text have operations to/from Beijing.