The “Greater China Connection” (GCC) made up of China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines announced today (8/25) that it has partnered with CTBC Bank to offer the “Greater China Connection Co-branded Card” which will give frequent cross-strait travelers more comprehensive privileges. The new card will further strengthen cooperation between the four airlines and GCC’s status as the leading cross-strait airline alliance.

China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines are all SkyTeam members within the Greater China region. In January 2013, the four airlines formed the Greater China Connection and their combined efforts have seen a large increase in SkyTeam’s cross-strait capacity over the past three years. GCC now flies to 47 cross-strait destinations, provides 682 return flights weekly and carries nearly 500,000 passengers a month.

 

The four airlines have a combined membership in excess of 62 million which is continuing to grow at nearly 20% a year. To provide members and travelers with more discounts and privileges, the latest collaboration launches a “Greater China Connection Co-branded Card” in partnership with CTBC Bank. This is the first card to deliver “four cards in one.” Greater China Connection Co-branded Cardholders who apply for the GCC Infinite card will receive Elite memberships at all four airlines as well. Privileges include unlimited access to the four airlines’ global VIP lounges for a year as well as exclusive ticketing discounts.

 

Exclusive to the new card is a “no minimum mileage redemption threshold.” Every reward point can be converted directly into a frequent flyer mile at any of the four airlines. Cardholders can therefore convert reward points into frequent flyer miles for their designated airline to instantly satisfy reward requirements. The increased flexibility makes it even easier to redeem reward points for upgrades or tickets right away. Cardholders can earn one mile for every NT$ 11 dollars in the best deal to increase personal mileage faster.

 

For people stationed in China, travelers who take frequent cross-strait flights, as well as members of the four airlines in Taiwan, the Greater China Connection Co-branded Card provides access to the frequent flyer programs of all four airlines. Cardholders can apply now to receive a sign-up bonus of up to 6000 points or a 26"+20" luggage set. Rewards can be used at all 4 airlines (receive up to 2000 miles per airline membership). (2016/08/25)