Air China Launches and Resumes 4 International Routes from Beijing

Air China, the national flag carrier of China, announced it will launch and resume four international routes starting from April 28, 2024. The airline will resume two routes: Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo and Beijing-Madrid-Havana. Additionally, Air China will open two new routes: Beijing-Riyadh and Beijing-Dhaka.

The Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route will resume on April 28 with two round-trip flights per week, while the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route will resume on May 17 with two round-trip flights per week. The resumption of the Havana route marks Air China's return to Cuba for the first time in four years, with a stopover in Madrid. Flights will operate twice weekly using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

Air China will also launch the new Beijing-Riyadh route on May 6 with three round-trip flights per week, and the Beijing-Dhaka route will open in June with four round-trip flights per week. By the time these new and resumed routes are operational, Air China will be operating a total of 452 routes, including 112 international and regional routes covering 64 cities in 43 countries and regions.

Why this matters: The launch and resumption of these international routes reflect Chinese airlines' efforts to expand overseas services driven by rising demand. The fast resumption of routes comes amid China pushing for more extensive connectivity with the outside world, with the international passenger transport market expected to recover to about 80% of pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2024.

The Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo route is one of the world's longest, spanning three continents, and the Beijing-Madrid-Havana route is the only route between China and Cuba. "The resumption of these flights will further meet the travel needs of passengers between the countries and strengthen economic and trade cooperation," stated an Air China representative. Air China's international route network has recovered to 84% of 2019 levels, with European route capacity exceeding 110% of 2019 levels.

Key Takeaways

• Air China to launch/resume 4 international routes from April 28, 2024.
• Resuming Beijing-Madrid-Sao Paulo, Beijing-Madrid-Havana routes with 2 weekly flights each.
• Launching new routes: Beijing-Riyadh (3 weekly flights), Beijing-Dhaka (4 weekly flights).
• Resumption of Havana route marks Air China's return to Cuba after 4 years.
• Air China's international network recovered to 84% of 2019 levels, Europe exceeds 110%.