March 28th, 2012, China Eastern announced the rolling launch of SkyPriority which is the first alliance wide product of SkyTeam in Shanghai and Beijing Airport. It is a series of exclusive airport services offered to its top customers worldwide. SkyPriority is developed to recognize and reward SkyTeam's most loyal customers for their business. Although priority services are already offered by the individual members, SkyTeam focuses on improving the overall alliance experience for customers.

It is reported that the roll-out will begin in March 2012 and continue through 2013. According to the program, all members will consistently provide services such as priority check-in, baggage drop-off and boarding to SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class customers, regardless of their airline or Frequent Flyer Program. Distinctive branding will help customers clearly find their way and travel faster through the airport.

SkyPriority services easily guide our customers through their journey at all airports. Clear and recognizable signage will communicate the specific benefits, products and services to HVCs. It will be first implemented at Pudong airport, China Eastern hub and Hongqiao & Beijing airports. Remaining MU served airports will have SkyPriority by the end of 2013.

On the basis of statistics by SkyTeam, about 5% of customers accounts for more than 25% of the total revenue, which mainly includes first/business class customers and SkyTeam elite plus members. SkyTeam is an international airline alliance operating worldwide, covering a network with 173 countries and 926 destinations. Currently there are 15 member airlines. To offer more speed, consistent, seamless and prestigious services are keys to win even more loyalty from them.

SkyPriority will achieve exclusive benefits for high valued customers in global network. It is by far the biggest collective SkyTeam project to date and a prime example of how the SkyTeam members are intensively working together to bring greater benefits to the top customers. Fast and accurate recognition of high valued customers is one of the vital factors. SkyPriority services will be distinctively branded at airports worldwide and the SkyPriority indicator will be displayed on eligible passengers' boarding passes. The brand concept will be applied to each individual airline's existing identity, enabling passengers to instantly recognize SkyPriority services at any airport.

Contributed by China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited