Carlson Wagonlit China JV paves way for new offices

By Patricia Wee Guangzhou Carlson Wagonlit Travel (CWT) and China Air Service (CAS) have partnered together in a joint venture to open offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou. New branch offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou will employ 60 people, generate volume in excess of US$30 million and provide professional corporate travel products and services to such companies as BP and General Electric (GE). CWT president, Asia Pacific and Latin America, Geoffrey Marshall, said the opening of offices in Shanghai and Guangzhou would strengthen the company's network with an equity position that allows CWT to invest in people, process and technology solutions to maintain its market position. "It has been just over 12 months since we celebrated the establishment of Carlson Wagonlit Travel in China with our JV with CAS and the opening of our Beijing location." "During this period, the JV has made significant progress, in particular, the establishment of a national call centre for our client General Electric servicing travellers from 28 cities — a first in the China market — significant business growth in all locations and the approval to open our branch locations in both Shanghai and Guangzhou. The partnership with CAS combines and complements the strengths of both organisations locally and globally." CWT and CAS have worked together since 1996. The latter is one of China's largest International Air Transport Association (IATA) travel agencies in China. CAS general manager Sun Ji said, "CAS and CWT have focused on the corporate travel market and are recognised as the leading corporate agency in China. Since its inception, this JV has offered proactive and flexible client services consistent with local, regional and global capabilities, enabling us to provide a consolidated global corporate travel solution."