DRAGONAIR WELCOMES FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT OF CHINA’S WTO ENTRY

Airline has “Important Role to Play in Helping Businesses Explore Trade Opportunities”

Dragonair has warmly welcomed the announcement in Doha that China will officially gain entry to the world trade body on December 11, saying it presents unprecedented opportunities for growth in commerce.

“At present China accounts for about 2.5% of world trade, and following WTO entry some estimates say that could grow to 7% by 2005,” said Dragonair CEO Stanley Hui.

“The country’s entry to the WTO will present huge opportunities for mainland companies to market overseas and for overseas business people to enter sectors in China. Hong Kong and Dragonair are uniquely positioned to facilitate the business and trade process, by linking the two, either through passenger services or by transporting the trade needed to enable economic growth.”

The airline flies to more destinations in the mainland from Hong Kong – 18 in all – than any other airline, and offers 150 passenger flights a week there and a twice-weekly freighter service to Shanghai.

“Dragonair has an important role to play in helping business people make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead in a world where global trade is a reality,” Mr. Hui said.

“As a Hong Kong-based airline we have a state-of-the-art facility in the airport at Hong Kong International Airport which gives us the facilities we need to provide an efficient, smooth operation for our customers.”

The airline has just launched a promotion – the Dragonair WTO Challenge – to highlight its role in helping business people explore opportunities in the mainland. Passengers who fly with Dragonair between Hong Kong and any of its 18 mainland destinations or Kaohsiung between now and March 31, 2002, have the chance to win a host of great prizes – for themselves or their company – ranging from air tickets to a seven-year air pass. Details are available from leading travel agents or the airline’s website, www.dragonair.com

Dragonair is a Hong Kong-based airline, operating a fleet of seven A330-300s, three A321s and seven A320s in addition to two Boeing 747 freighters. It is currently in the midst of a programme to more than double its fleet by the end of 2005. The airline’s passenger network covers 27 destinations across the Asia-Pacific region, while its cargo network connects the markets of Europe, the Middle East, China and Japan.