Facebook awarded Air China for its strategic use of the social networking site, despite it being blocked in mainland China.

The state-owned carrier had been aggressively using Facebook as a tool for marketing.  It uses the networking site to link its booking engine, promote giveaways, and even to share recipes. Facebook praised the airline for its innovative use of the social media platform, amid China's ban on the site since 2009.

Like Us on Facebook

The "Best Use of Facebook For International Marketing of Greater China 2014" award was given to Air China at their headquarters in December. 

Air China is not alone in using Facebook to connect with its passengers.  Its rivals China Eastern Airlines, China Southern and Hainan Airlines also use the social media site to build connections with people outside China. 

Air China has now more than 153,000 followers since it created its page in June 2013.  It also opened a Facebook account in North America, Europe, Japan, and other parts of the globe.  It has published more than 2,000 posts and interacted with over 200,000 people.

Despite being blocked in China, Facebook has found ways to profit from Chinese businesses.   "We've got 1.3 billion people on Facebook, and it turns out that marketing to those people from China works really well," Facebook Vice President Vaughan Smith said.

Much more is expected from Facebook, as it has worked its way to connect with chinese companies.  It has even signed a 3-year office lease contract in Beijing's business district. 

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who is currently studying Mandarin, has also recently joined a prominent business school in Beijing as member of the board. 

Tagsfacebook ban, Air China, best use award, Marketing, Airlines, Mainland China, Mark Zuckerberg