--By Eliza Tuladhar

 

When the China Southern Airlines (CZ) entered Nepal way back in 2007 there were hardly any good business relations between the two countries and hence very few Chinese people travelled to Nepal. However with the growing number of Chinese tourist flowing to the country the Chinese airline company, is moving on with great strategy to operate up to 70 flights per week. 

 

Air Connectivity between Nepal and China

CZ started with two flights a week from Guangzhou to Kathmandu. Business relations kept on growing and a year down the road CZ added another flight to the existing frequency making it a total of three flights per week. “We kept on reviewing and responding to the growing needs of our passengers and by 2010 CZ started operating one flight daily,” said country manager of China Southern Airlines Rebecca Huang. She also informed that the demand continues to grow and the company is planning to operate two flights daily from July 15, this year. It will help passengers to get to various destinations across the world with the best connecting time, she claims. Guangzhou is well connected with rest of China through domestic flights and with rest of the world through international flights. “The Airline has more than 1,930 flights a day to 190 destinations in 40 countries and regions across the world. In close coordination with its SkyTeam member airlines, CZ’s global route network spans 1024 destinations of 187 countries and regions, and nearly every major world metropolis,” states the company.

 

Demand and Supply Situation 

With the growing number of passengers willing to visit Nepal, the company is continuously reviewing and responding to the demands of its passengers. “As said earlier we will be flying two times a day from July 15,” she said. 

 

The addition comes as part of the negotiations between Nepal and China on February 25, this year that concluded with the understanding to increase flight rights from 14 to 56 flights per week. Next year this will increase to 63 and by 2016 this will further increase to 70 flights per week. CZ was quick enough to grasp this opportunity, and in becoming the first, among Chinese carriers, to have so high flight frequency to Kathmandu. CZ intends to expand cooperation and foster a closer development partnership with Nepal in the days ahead.

 

 

Highlights of CZ services

Each airline has its own client base and market strategy. According to the company it delivers the best-customized inflight services to its passengers along with providing excellent connections across China and world. “The airline flies through the ‘canton route’ to serve as a bridge between the Oceania people and Europe, among other destinations,” she said. “Along with that we have the best domestic network in China. Many Nepali businessmen choose to fly to Guangzhou and Yiwu- the commercial hub in China.”  The domestic schedule of CZ has been designed in such a manner that one can reach any part of China within 12 hours. The airline has the latest and largest fleet that includes 558 passenger and cargo transport aircrafts and it is the first airline in the world to operate both A380 and 787. Besides its excellent air connectivity and connections, it is renowned in the region for its In-flight services. Right from safety, security, in-flight entertainment, comfortable seating, each and every aspect of in-flight service is paid due attention, claims the airline.

 

Packages and Schemes

China Southern Sky Pearl Club offers special schemes for individual passengers that frequently fly with this airline. It provides three types of membership: Sky Pearl Gold card, Silver card and the Base card. All of these have different level of privileges. 

 

“As the newest member of the SkyTeam, the Sky Pearl Club allows its club members earn FFP miles not only while flying CZ segments but also on flights of other SkyTeam member airlines within the SkyTeam global network,” she said. According to her, besides good air connections and in flight experiences, the airline also has tie-ups with some of the best brand of hotels and tour operators in the world. "Passengers can now have the best experience in air and the excellent services on ground through our partner tour operators and hotels," says Huang.

 

CZ business and future plans

Airline business in the present day scenario is very competitive and challenging. However, CZ did good business this year. “To be the best, one has to be outstanding in each and every aspect,” She shared and added that the airline continuously strives to improve its services by understanding passengers' requirement, and by offering excellent connections, competitive fares and good packages in close coordination with some of the best hotels and tour operators.

 

China still remains unexplored to most of the people in Nepal, and CZ strives to bridge the gap between two countries. “We are hoping that more and more Nepalis will explore China through CZ,” She said.