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Check for high rankings on airline carrier based in Asia

Airlines are ranked for everything from on-time performance to customer service to baggage handling. You won't have a hard time finding quality Asian carriers, as many Asian-based airline carriers rate among the world's best. The biggest choice for you may be deciding which five-star airline to choose.

I recommend: SkyTrax keeps a complete list of ratings and reviews for all airlines-including the Asian carriers-giving them one-to-five star rankings. Read Aviation Week's annual rankings on airlines, which often rates Asian air carriers very high.

Get the latest news on Asian air lines

With 24-hour news sources and instant access to global information via the Internet, getting the latest news on the Asian airline industry isn't hard. Asia-based airline carriers are a hot topic to cover as the Asian markets grow among world commerce. Make sure you know what's going on with the Asian airlines you use.

I recommend: Get the latest news on the Asian airline carriers with Airline Industry Today, provided by EIN News. The Asia News Desk covers all the latest stories on the airlines in southeast Asia, including Airasia, Bangkok Airways, Jetstar and Tiger Airways.

Look for awards won by Asian airlines

Awards aren't the only basis for judging air carriers in Asia or anywhere else. However, the right awards can be a nice feather in the cap for determining airline quality. Make sure you check the prominence and prestige of any awards an airline flaunts.

I recommend: SkyTrax give awards for Best Airline of the Year, along with Best Low-Cost Airline, Best First Class, Best Business Class and the best airline in each region. Travel Trade Gazette hands out the TTG Travel Awards, including awards for the best airlines in Southeast Asia, North Asia, China and the entire Pacific region. The OAG Airline Industry Awards includes the Best Airline Based in Asia, where Asian airlines have won Airline of the Year many times.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Find out what security measures are taken on Asian air lines and Asian airports. A small number of airports in Asia are suspect of not having adequate security measures.

Guide to Airline Carriers Based in Asia

Establish loyalty with a top Asian airline carriers for travel perks

By Mary Beth Doyle

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Select Asian air lines that travel frequently to where you need to go

If most of your business is conducted within a specific region or country of Asia, consider a smaller airline carrier based in Asia. For travel back and forth and all around the continent, use services offered by major Asian-based airline carriers.

I recommend: Singapore Airlines travels to 35 cities in 35 countries. Within Asia, the airline offers services to more than 25 destinations via its regional airline, SilkAir. Japan Airlines flies from most major U.S. cities to top destinations throughout Asia.

Learn about rewards programs before choosing Asian airlines to work with

Don't underestimate the importance of a frequent-flyer program. Rewards from Asia-based airline carriers can save the company a ton of money and offer plenty of perks, especially when you consider the miles you'll rack up going back and forth across the Pacific.

I recommend: Air China’s PhoenixMiles is part of the Star Alliance rewards program, which is a partnership of various international airlines designed to reward frequent travelers. Air India has four different rewards clubs, each with varying levels of benefits to frequent travelers.

Look for customer-service rankings when selecting Asian airline carriers

Sadly, it's tough to find good customer service these days, especially at an airport, so look for customer feedback on each airline carrier based in Asia to find the carrier that might cause the least headaches.

I recommend: Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines both ranked high on recent customer satisfaction polls. Malaysia Airlines has consistently earned awards and high rankings for the quality of its business services.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  While establishing a relationship with an Asia-based airline carriers can reap many rewards for your business, keep an eye out on travel booking websites for special deals from other carriers.

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Identify the major airlines for efficient and cheap flights within Asia with business amenities

If you're frequently flying to and from Asia, you must know the continent's major air carriers. Some Asian air carriers have special deals flying between major American cities. Finding discount business air to Asia is important, but don't overlook other factors like quality and customer service. Some airlines also offer deals and perks to business travelers.

I recommend: Hong Kong's Cathay Pacific has won multiple awards by the Official Airline Guide. It offers special fare packages coordinated directly with your business trip schedule through its MICE program, including dining and shopping discounts and other services to business groups. Japan Airlines is one of the largest Asian-based airline carriers. Its Executive class cabins offer full meals and in-flight audio/video entertainment along with loungewear, computer batteries, medicines and healthcare products.

Find discount Asia airline tickets through frequent flyer and other award programs

Finding deals on Asian air fare can be easier if you use one airline most of the time. You can be eligible for frequent flyer programs and other VIP specials that airline may offer. These programs often partner with hotels and restaurants for miles accumulation and specials.

I recommend: Air China offers the Phoenix Miles program for frequent flyers, which not only provides free flights and upgrades but deals with the airline's partner hotels and car rentals. You can easily calculate how many mileage points will get you your desired flight. Members in Japan Airline's JAL Mileage Bank accumulate miles on any JAL or partner flight. Those who earn at last 50,00 points can join their Global Club for more bonus miles, priority check-in and baggage service and airport lounge use.

Take advantage of alliances between American and Asian airline carriers

Many Asian air lines have formed partnerships with U.S. based airlines. Through these alliances, your business can connect with participating airlines and collect miles and rewards through them all.

I recommend: American Airlines and Japan Airlines are partnered through Oneworld, which includes Cathay Pacific. View Oneworld benefits and frequent flyer options through partner airlines. With Star Alliance, United Airlines and US Airways connect with Air China, Thai Airways International, Shanghai Airlines and Singapore Airlines. This alliance offers numerous services across the partner airlines including frequent flyer programs, Star Alliance Awards and Star Alliance Upgrade Awards to name a few. You’re your next flight from the US to Asia smoother connecting with just one ticket. SkyTeam not only links up Delta with China Southern and Korean Air with frequent flyer programs and corporate loyalty programs but allows you to take advantage of business travel amenities to help you unwind as you travel.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Look for smaller discount airline carriers in Asia if your trip involves short-haul travel within the continent. The smaller carriers, like airlines in southeast Asia, can offer lower fares more often.

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Discount airlines of Asia

Discount airlines of Asia offer flights for less. Often, these airlines primarily service other Asian countries and are a good deal if you are flying between two different countries in Asia. They are smaller companies and may not offer direct flights to America.

I recommend: Things Asian lists some of the discount airlines in Asia.

Association of Asia Pacific Airlines

The Association of Asia Pacific Airlines is a professional organization that fosters networking between airlines that are located in the Asia Pacific region. This organization can keep companies up to date on current laws and regulations that are specific to the region.

I recommend: Learn more about the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines from their website.

Frequent flier miles

With frequent flier miles, Asian airline companies reward customers that use their services again and again. Miles can be used to purchase a free fare or to purchase a class upgrade on a regular fare. If you are flying between North America and Asia regularly, it's a good idea to sign up for a frequent flier program.

I recommend: Cathay Pacific is one of many Asian airlines that offers a frequent flier program.

Alliance partners

Alliance partners are networks of airlines that work together in order to service more areas. For example, airlines that primarily serve the Americas often partner with airline carriers in Asia to allow people the chance to travel to Asia. You can usually earn frequent flier miles between the various airlines.

I recommend: United shows a list of their alliance partners and information about the program.

OAG Airline Industry Awards

The OAG Airline Industry Awards are given each year to airlines that provide exceptional service. You'll see a number of Asian airlines on that list. The awards also have a category for best Asian airline company.

I recommend: Find out more about the awards program from OAG Airline Industry Award.

Short haul travel

Short haul travel refers to trips that are short in duration, usually just a few hours. These would be flights between Asian countries, as opposed to the long flight from North America to Asia.

I recommend: AsiaTravelTips discusses short haul travel and suggests that it will become more prominent.