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Sources with American Northwest Airlines (NWA) said in Beijing that to promote personnel localization in China is important for their market strategy. John D. Watkins, vice-president and general manager of China,made these remarks after a successful year of code-sharing between Air China and NWA in nine domestic cities. Watkins said, NWA will continue business cooperation with Chinaand will further encourage personnel localization. NWA is among the first foreign airline companies to hire Chinese employees for its domestic market. So far, of the 140 staff members only three have been American citizens. NWA hired Chinese interpreters for flights very early on and together with the local airline companies now has several hundred excellent Chinese pilots . "Although the international aviation industry is facing some difficulties, we still have confidence in China. Its WTO entry and the strong economic momentum will help increase the demand forbusiness trips, leisure travel and cargo transport," said Watkins. He pointed out the Chinese aviation industry will have fiercer competition after WTO entry. The main trend is to have reasonable prices and excellent service. Air travel will take a more important role in Chinese daily life. "We and our Chinese partner will satisfy different demands as China facilitates the outbound travel procedures next year. I believe the aviation industry will help strengthen the friendship between us both," Watkins said. He added, Chinese employees are diligent and smart, which will accelerate the development of the Chinese aviation industry and back up NWA's business in China. NWA now has 22 flights per week between China and U.S, including 13 non-stop flights. NWA has operated the code-sharing service with Air China in Beijing and Shanghai since 1998.