Sichuan Airlines Adopts Baby Panda to Spread "Panda Culture," Promote New International Routes

CHENGDU, China, July 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Sichuan Airlines ("the Company"), the leading Chengdu-based carrier, has adopted a baby panda from the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding ("the Base") as part of its mission to foster strategic partnerships that promote its brand, develop the region's "Panda Culture," and support the poverty alleviation mission of the Base.

The black-and-white baby female, named "3U" and nicknamed "YouYou," was born on July 15, 2017, and has become the official ambassador of Sichuan Airline's "Panda Route" international flight development program. The program, launched in 2016, aims to enrich the Company's domestic and international route network, enhance passengers' transfer service experience and introduce more destinations in Southwestern China to the world.

"We're excited to take this opportunity to introduce more people to Sichuan and pandas in a fun way," said Shi Zuyi, General Manager of Sichuan Airlines. "Adopting pandas is one of our public welfare activities which supports the protection of endangered animals. It is also a part of Sichuan Airlines' commitment to protect Sichuan culture and to promote it to our international passengers and partners."

Zhang Zhihe, Director of the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding, noted at the adoption signing ceremony that the collaboration with Sichuan Airlines highlights the significance of panda culture in China and that the company's support will allow both parties to share this vital national treasure with the world. "We expect to welcome more than 6 million visitors to the Base this year, with more than 80 percent of them coming from outside Sichuan province," he said.

In addition to adopting You You, Sichuan Airlines will carry out panda-themed flights in the future, with more panda elements to be integrated into aircraft cabins and flight meal service, providing passengers from around the world with improved service quality and a comprehensive cultural experience.

An airbus A350 painted with eight pandas, one of which has been inspired by You You, will be assigned to the Chengdu-Beijing route in August 2018 and will become a part of Sichuan Airlines' expansion strategy to intercontinental routes going forward.

About Sichuan Airlines

Established in 1986, Sichuan Airlines, one of the most distinctive airlines in China, is headquartered in Chengdu and operates a fleet of 134 aircraft on more than 270 domestic, regional and international routes, covering Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Each year, the company is committed to providing service that is infused with "Chinese Elements and Sichuan Charm" to more than 24 million passengers. Its service quality and on-time performance rank in the top among all the Chinese-mainland carriers, and the Company has been named the "Best Airline in China" by CAPSE for four consecutive years.

For more information about Sichuan Airlines, please visit: http://global.sichuanair.com/US-EN

SOURCE Sichuan Airlines