Riyadh, March 11, 2024, In a concerted effort to bolster air links between Saudi Arabia and China, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has forged a strategic alliance with China Eastern Airlines, heralding the launch of a new air route connecting the two nations.
Scheduled to commence operations on April 8th, 2024, China Eastern Airlines will inaugurate three weekly flights directly linking Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH). The route will be serviced by an A330-200 aircraft, offering an annual capacity of 35,880 inbound seats.
This collaborative endeavor responds to escalating interest and demand for travel between Saudi Arabia and China, underlining Saudi Arabia's commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. By fostering a seamless connection, the initiative aims to foster cultural exchange and stimulate avenues for growth.
Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “The introduction of this new route with one of the world's largest airlines is another step towards enhancing connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China, a key priority market for us. We look forward to working with China Eastern Airlines to enable tourists and businesses to explore the attractions and opportunities both nations have to offer.”
Echoing this sentiment, China Eastern Airlines underscored the significance of the route launch, emphasizing its role in bolstering ties between the two nations.
The collaboration anticipates a surge in trade, cultural exchange, and dialogue across various sectors, envisioning the route as an 'Air Silk Road' facilitating seamless connectivity.
Aligned with Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia's economic diversification initiative, the Kingdom aspires to emerge as a prominent aviation hub in the Middle East and a pivotal link between East and West. Having surpassed its tourism targets in 2023, Saudi Arabia aims to attract 150 million tourists, including 70 million foreign visitors, by 2030.
Under the auspices of the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) endeavors to bolster air connectivity from untapped markets to the Kingdom, synergizing tourism and aviation sectors to realize the National Tourism Strategy's objectives.
China Eastern Airlines, one of China's flagship state-owned carriers, traces its origins to the inaugural civil aviation squadron established in Shanghai in 1957. With an extensive fleet of approximately 800 aircraft, including the largest widebody fleet in China, the airline boasts cutting-edge commercial and technical capabilities. Listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges, China Eastern Airlines stands as a vanguard in the global aviation landscape.
