United Airlines strengthening ties to the huge Chinese travel market

For United Airlines, it's time to batten down the hatches on the China front. Last week China Eastern Airlines became the latest China-based airline to move in on United's turf with the launch of nonstop service between China and Chicago. Now United is moving to strengthen further its ties to China and the tens of millions of potential air travellers who live there. Hainan Airlines also flies nonstop between Chicago and Beijing. China Eastern last week launched nonstop service from Chicago to Shanghai. United said Tuesday it has signed a multi-year agreement to enrich the airline's existing strategic partnership with Air China. The new deal will expand connecting flight options in the networks of both carriers in China and the US and enhance elite frequent flyer benefits for passengers traveling on either carrier. <br/>