China Southern Airlines celebrated a landmark achievement on Tuesday with the launch of their inaugural flight from Beijing Daxing to Riyadh. This marks the first-ever scheduled passenger service by a Chinese airline directly connecting mainland China to Saudi Arabia.
Deepening Ties Between Nations
The event, attended by dignitaries from both countries, highlighted the growing cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in various sectors, including trade, tourism, and culture. Mr. ZHANG Dongsheng, a senior official from China Southern, emphasized the flight’s significance in promoting these ties and supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Building a Bridge for People and Business
Both China Southern and Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program (ACP) expressed optimism about the new route. They believe it will foster greater exchange and collaboration between the two nations, both for travelers and businesses. This “air bridge” is expected to create new opportunities for exploration and economic growth.
Expanding Network and Passenger Experience
The Beijing-Riyadh flight is just one piece of China Southern’s growing network. They currently offer 14 non-stop international routes from Beijing Daxing, including destinations within the BRI. Soon, Dhaka will be added, further strengthening China’s air connectivity goals.
The inaugural flight itself was a themed experience, showcasing both Chinese and Saudi Arabian culture. Passengers enjoyed special decorations, activities, and attentive service aboard the Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
Convenient Travel Options
Flights between Beijing and Riyadh will operate twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Saturdays. The outbound flight offers convenient departure and arrival times, with a travel time of around 10 hours. Passengers can also enjoy benefits like baggage through check-in.
Looking to the Future
China Southern’s commitment to the BRI remains strong. They plan to continue expanding their network and launching new routes to BRI countries, aiming to facilitate global connectivity and boost trade and logistics.
For more information on this new route and others, visit China Southern’s official website: www.csair.com/en.
