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Eight Star Alliance members which make direct flights to China say they are optimistic about the growing Chinese aviation market. China's sustained economic growth and entry into the World Trade Organization would bring more opportunities to both Chinese and foreign businesses as well as create tremendous demand for international air traffic, said Terje Thoresen, chairman of the Steering Committee in China and general manager of Scandinavian Airlines System China. The consolidation of China's aviation industry would definitely boost the local market, he said. Sidney Kwok, general manager of United Airlines China, said, " We welcome capable Chinese airline companies to join the Star Alliance, and we will continue to bring new and innovative initiatives to make Chinese passengers' travel experience more comfortable, easier and convenient." Peter Emmerich, chief representative of Lufthansa China, is encouraged by the rise in the number of Chinese tourists going abroad, believing this will also boost the aviation industry. To date, Chinese travelers visit 22 nations, and the list will be longer in a few years, he said. As trade ties develop between Canada and China, 14 direct flights from China to Canada have all been booked up in the current busy season, said Cathy Zhu, general manager of Air Canada China. China's aviation infrastructure has also increased rapidly, including airport construction in Beijing, Shanghai and other cities, said Alfred W. Brader, general manager of Austrian Airlines China. Established in 1997, the Star Alliance is the first and largest aviation alliance in the world. Its member airlines include Air Canada, Air New Zealand, All Nippon Airways, Austrian Airlines, and United Airlines. The Star Alliance network serves 729 airports in 124 countries. Eight Star Alliance airlines fly direct to China and offer 195 flights departing from China per week.