2011-01-21 19:49

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SHANGHAI — China Eastern Airlines Co Ltd, one of the nation’s top three leading airlines, outperformed all the other domestic carriers in terms of flight punctuality in 2010, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC).

More than 79 percent of China Eastern’s flights take off or land on time, more than three percentage points higher than the industrial average, said the aviation regulator. This is the third year in a row that China Eastern was ranked as the nation's most punctual carrier.

During the last three years, the Shanghai-based carrier has taken a series of measures, including establishing teams of experts and specialized staff and preparing a backup plan to guarantee the smooth operation of flights, to ensure flight punctuality.

Airlines established a 24-member team to monitor and coordinate all flights around the clock, particularly during the World Expo 2010 Shanghai. And every 15 days the administration monitors the 30 least punctual individual flights, which then have to make adjustments to strictly abide by the schedule.

With the Spring Festival traveling season approaching, China Eastern said it is prepared to secure its flights’ punctuality by offering the best and most efficient service to customers during the Chinese New Year.

The 44 automatic check-in machines equipped at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport will help passengers not checking luggage check-in within one minute.

The carrier also provides green lane service for first and business class passengers, who will not have to wait more than four minutes or six minutes respectively to check in. There are also booths set up for passengers with special needs, including elderly passengers, pregnant passengers and passengers traveling with small children.

The airline will further enhance its flight punctuality to provide higher quality service, as it aspires to become the nation’s best service carrier.