Air China(CA) presidents have earlier declared in Beijing that they are going to welcome the first day of 2000 by putting themselves at helm of their planes in person.

On the first day of 2000, Wang Lian, president of CA will fly from Beijing to Shenzhen by piloting the plane on his own. On December 31, 1999, Zhang Fugui, vice-president of CA will personally guide a flight from a certain terminal to Beijing. This has been decided to ensure complete safety of AC flights during the first day of the new century along with a flight to South Korea to usher in the advent of the new millennium.

A news report says President Wang Lian, a first-class pilot began his piloting service as early back in 1958. He has won fame for his rich experience in piloting various types of planes. Vice-president Zhang Fugui started his pilot life back in 1961. A special-class pilot, he has been at helm of many special planes for Party and state leaders of the People's Republic.