Emirates Airline has launched a Chinese website (www.emirates.cn) to provide for the needs of a growing number of Chinese travelers, the carrier's China office told Xinhua on Wednesday.

One of the major advantages of the new site is the flight search and pricing system. Rather than just being presented with one price for a preferred time, passengers will be shown seat availability and prices for seven days before and after their requested travel date, according to the office.

"Emirates' Internet sales are rapidly increasing and the new website extends our global reach, handing much more control to our customers and allowing them to enjoy the Emirates' experience from their homes, offices and hotels, long before they board one of our modern aircraft," said Edwin Lau, Emirates Greater China vice president.

It will also give passengers more opportunity to benefit from cheaper fares. The website accepts foreign currency bank cards and dual-currency bank cards for payment.

Passengers can select their route from nearly 100 destinations on Emirates' network, find out what aircraft they are flying on, and the entertainment on board, added Lau.

The Chinese aviation industry was predicted to grow by 11.1 percent annually from 2007 to 2011, boosted by its rapidly expanding economy.

(Xinhua News Agency March 13, 2008)