Li Zhongming, president of the group, received the award from Joseph V. Cinque, chief executive officer of the American Association for Higher Services (AAHS) Friday in Shanghai.

Li also received the Five Star Diamond Award for being a distinguished entrepreneur.

The AAHS's Five Star Diamond Award is given annually to the best enterprises, hotels, restaurants and individuals in the services industry, selected by a jury of international professionals.

China Eastern Air Group was given the award after two years of examining its hospitality, travel environment, service items, flight, food and other services.

The Shanghai-based China Eastern Air Group is now ranked among the top three airlines in the country. It had 90 airplanes and was operating 120 domestic and international routes at the end of 2000.

(Xinhua 04/01/2001)