RIYADH: A fresh air link between Riyadh and Shanghai has been inaugurated, courtesy of a joint effort between the Saudi Air Connectivity Program and China Eastern Airlines.
The duo has forged a partnership that directly connects Pudong Airport with King Khalid International Airport in the Saudi capital, as reported by the Saudi Press Agency.
Starting from April 8, the route is planned to be serviced by an A330-200 aircraft, providing an annual capacity of 35,880 seats for inbound flights.
This initiative is poised to boost air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China, aligning with the escalating interest and demand for travel between the two countries.
Moreover, this agreement is in sync with the Kingdom’s efforts to strengthen bilateral relations with the Asian powerhouse, fostering a connection that encourages cultural exchange and unveils new avenues for growth.
“The launch of this new route with one of the world’s leading airlines marks another stride in augmenting connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China, a market of prime importance for us,” stated ACP CEO Majid Khan.
He further added, “We are eager to collaborate with China Eastern Airlines to facilitate tourists and businesses in discovering the attractions and opportunities that both countries present.”
The new partnership is expected to stimulate trade, interpersonal exchanges, and dialogues across diverse sectors through this Air Silk Road initiative.
In September, ACP and Hainan Airlines entered into an agreement to roll out two new travel routes linking China and the Kingdom.
As per a statement issued then, the collaboration aimed to meet the growing demand for flight alternatives and further solidify the bilateral relations between the countries, promoting tourism, trade, and cultural interactions.
The agreement in September was subsequent to the inauguration of the Riyadh-Beijing and Jeddah-Beijing routes by Saudi Arabia’s national carrier, SAUDIA, in August 2023, in addition to the existing route connecting Jeddah and Guangzhou.
Underpinned by its Vision 2030, the Kingdom aspires to emerge as a premier aviation hub in the Middle East and a pivotal link between the East and West.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia accomplished its objectives by welcoming 100 million tourists, including 27 million international visitors, seven years ahead of its planned timeline.
Following this, the Kingdom unveiled new goals of attracting 150 million tourists, including 70 million from overseas, by 2030.
