National carrier Air China said on March 24 that it will set up counters for ticket sales and other transportation services at the athletes' village, media village, the Beijing Hotel and the Hong Kong Macau Center Swissotel.

Xu Jianqiang, deputy director of the carrier's e-commerce commission, said there will also be a check-in desk at the athlete's village.

"These desks will be open from 8am until 8pm and will handle customers of both Air China and foreign airlines," he said.

Liang Shuang, the official in charge of the airline's services for the Olympic Games, said the windows could remain open as late as midnight if needed.

Air China has invested 560 million yuan (US$79 million) on preparations to deal with the influx of travelers expected during the Olympics and Paralympics.

Liang said the airline had purchased wheelchairs and other equipment to help disabled athletes to get on and off planes.

"We will also allow guide dogs on board to help athletes who are competing in the Paralympic Games, and we will be hiring more male flight attendants to assist those in need," he said.

The airline will also open several new routes, including a direct flight between Beijing and Pyongyang that operates three times a week starting next March 31.

Direct flights between Shanghai and Milan will also begin on March 31.

The airline will operate more flights between Beijing and Europe during the Games, when Paris will become the second city in Europe after Frankfurt to receive two Air China flights a day.