BUCHAREST, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Air China operated its maiden flight on the new route connecting China's Beijing with Bucharest of Romania, and Zagreb of Croatia, on Friday, restoring direct flights between China and Romania after years of suspension and opening the first direct connection with Croatia.
Operating under flight numbers CA913 and CA914, the route departs from Beijing Capital International Airport with a stopover in Bucharest before arriving in Zagreb. Services run three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with Airbus A330 aircraft deployed during the initial phase.
Bucharest is among the most populous inland city in the Balkans and Romania's political, economic and cultural center. Zagreb, whose history dates back to the 11th century, is a major cultural, tourism and economic hub in Croatia.
Calin Mitri, director-general for Global Affairs at the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in his speech at the launch event held Friday afternoon that in today's world of deeply intertwined economies, direct air connectivity is not merely an improvement in transportation convenience, but also a strong support for international cooperation.
He added that the launch of the new route also provides a valuable platform for both sides to exchange experience in airport development, digital transformation, talent cultivation and the application of new technologies.
Chen Feng, China's Ambassador to Romania, said that the resumption of regular direct passenger flights between China and Romania is a shared aspiration of the Chinese and Romanian peoples and the result of long-term joint efforts by both sides.
"It is expected to help further strengthen bilateral economic and trade cooperation, deepen cultural and people-to-people exchanges, promote mutual understanding, and inject fresh momentum into the sustained and healthy development of China-Romania relations," Chen added. ■
