Air China, one of the country’s major airline companies, plans to schedule more international flights during the upcoming summer travel rush to cater to passengers’ needs and facilitate China’s global civil aviation market.
According to the company, the airline will launch new routes such as Beijing to Dhaka, capital of Bangladesh, Chengdu to Milan, and resume the Shanghai to Barcelona route. Additionally, it will increase the frequency of flights on 13 international routes, including Beijing to Copenhagen and Chengdu to Singapore.
By doing so, Air China’s international and regional flight network will be restored to over 90 percent of the level in 2019, totaling 114 routes connecting 43 countries and regions across the world.
In addition, through collaboration with member airlines of the Star Alliance, the airline will expand its route network to nearly 1,200 destinations worldwide.
To facilitate the Belt and Road Initiative, Air China has opened 61 routes to countries and regions involved in the BRI, connecting 36 cities in 28 countries. The number of these flights accounts for 60 percent of the total international flight volume.
Notably, the company is a significant carrier between China and Europe, holding a market share of over 28 percent. The company operates 32 routes between China and Europe with 53 flights every day.
The number of flights between China and Europe has surpassed the volume in 2019, representing about 116 percent of the level in 2019.
China’s summer travel rush usually begins in early July and ends in late August, in line with students’ summer vacation. During that time, travel demand often booms.