United Airlines has appointed Sidney Kwok as director, Greater China. In this role, Mr. Kwok will oversee all of United's passenger operations and service in both mainland China and Hong Kong. Prior to this appointment, Mr. Kwok was United's director in mainland China.

Mr. Kwok has more than 30 years of experience in the airline industry. He joined United Airlines in 1998 as business manager and division controller, Pacific South in Hong Kong before he was appointed general manager, China in November 2000.

"The Asia-Pacific region has always been key to United's growth and within this region, mainland China and Hong Kong are two very important markets," said Mark Schwab, Vice President, Pacific, United Airlines. "Our recent introduction of United's new, luxurious First Class Suite and Business Class cabin to Hong Kong, and eventually, to China, is testimony to our commitment to listen to what our customers say and give them what they want."

In his current position, Mr. Kwok will be responsible for devising and implementing strategies to further strengthen United's position as a leading transpacific carrier in Hong Kong and mainland China. Moreover, he will continue to play an instrumental role in fostering commercial relationships with Star Alliance members in mainland China including Air China and Shanghai Airlines.

United operates daily nonstop services between Beijing and Washington D.C.; Beijing and Chicago; Beijing and San Francisco, Shanghai and Chicago; Shanghai and San Francisco, Hong Kong and Chicago as well as Hong Kong and San Francisco. From Hong Kong, United operates daily nonstop services between the territory and Ho Chi Minh City, as well as between Hong Kong and Singapore.

Mr. Kwok is a native of Hong Kong and a graduate of the University of Hong Kong.