Dragonair is advising passengers that it will move its operation to the new Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport on Wednesday, March 26, 2008. From that date, all the airline's flights between Hong Kong and Beijing will arrive and depart from Terminal 3.

"We are delighted to move our operation to the new terminal at Beijing Capital International Airport," said Dragonair Chief Executive Officer Kenny Tang. "The opening of Terminal 3 will result in a better travel experience for our passengers and help to accommodate the surge in traffic to and from China's capital city."

Mr Tang said that facilities in the new terminal will be much improved and will enable Dragonair to offer an even higher quality of service. In particular there will be more check-in counters - located in aisle C at the terminal - available to Dragonair passengers to improve the flow and help avoid bottlenecks during peak periods.

Passengers travelling in First or Business Class on Dragonair or sister airline Cathay Pacific will have access to a brand new lounge, the Dragonair and Cathay Pacific Lounge, that will feature two food and drink venues, a wide selection of Western and Chinese cuisines that will be changed on a regular basis, wireless Internet access, workstations, large flat-screen TVs featuring news and sports coverage, and specially trained lounge staff. Silver-status or above members of the Marco Polo Club can also enjoy the lounge facilities.

Due to the sheer size of the new Beijing terminal, passengers are advised that check-in counters will close 60 minutes before departure, rather than 40 minutes as previously, to allow sufficient time for everyone to get to their respective boarding gates.

The move to the new terminal is taking place in two stages. A number of airlines, including some oneworld carriers, relocated on February 29 while the rest, including Dragonair and Cathay Pacific, will move operations with effect from March 26. Passengers should note that if any flights due to depart or land before 00:00 on the moving dates are delayed, their operation will continue at Terminal 2 unless otherwise advised by the individual airline.

For the convenience of the travelling public and to assist the smooth operation of airlines, passengers are reminded to arrive at the airport early during the transition period, allowing plenty of time to familiarise themselves with facilities in the new Terminal 3.

Dragonair, an affiliate member of oneworld, is a Hong Kong-based airline operating a fleet of 31 passenger aircraft and eight freighters serving 34 regional destinations, including 21 cities in Mainland China. Dragonair is part of the Cathay Pacific Group, providing seamless connectivity for passengers to more than 100 cities around the globe.