I checked with the airlines. It seems that their visa policy keeps changing quite often and they are not up to date with the latest policy themselves. One customer rep told me since the flight involves two stops in China, it's better to have a transit visa. When I pressed her to tell whether it is required or not instead of saying it's better to have one to be on the safe side, she told me to consult with the Chinese Consulate or Embassy. I got same response at the consulate - it's better to have a visa to be on the safe side. Finally one rep checked with someone else at the visa office and told this - as long as you are not going outside the airport and as long as the total duration in China is less than 24 hours, you do not need a visa. Again this is verbal communication only.
Have any of you flown this airlines in the recent days or weeks? If so, please share your experience and let me know if you got the Chinese transit visa. Thanks.