Riyadh, Mar 8, 2024, The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has joined forces with China Southern Airlines to introduce a new air route connecting Beijing to Riyadh. Set to commence in April 2024, the route will feature two weekly flights between Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Additionally, starting in June 2024, there will be two weekly flights between Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH), utilizing the A330-300 aircraft.
Addressing the increasing demand for air travel between China and Saudi Arabia, this collaboration aligns with ACP’s initiatives and the broader Saudi ecosystem’s efforts to expand capacity and meet the growing need for direct flights. Recent expansions of air routes between Saudi and Chinese airports by Hainan Airlines and SAUDIA further complement these endeavors.
Majid Khan, CEO of ACP, expressed pleasure at the entry of China Southern Airlines into the Saudi market, emphasizing the commitment to expanding direct connectivity with China. He looks forward to collaborating with China Southern Airlines to provide Chinese travelers with greater opportunities to explore Saudi Arabia's cultural treasures.
Alhasan Aldabbagh, President of APAC Markets at the Saudi Tourism Authority, highlighted the significance of the Chinese market and the goal to make China one of the top three source markets by 2030. The collaboration supports Saudi Arabia's dedication to fostering seamless travel experiences, including recent achievements such as Approved Destination Status, the introduction of the free Stopover Visa, and ongoing efforts to enhance air connectivity.
Saudi Arabia, through its Vision 2030 program, aims to become a leading aviation hub in the Middle East and a key connection point between East and West. In 2023, the country welcomed a record 100 million tourists, including 27 million foreign tourists.
The Saudi Air Connectivity Program, under the Ministry of Tourism of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, focuses on enhancing air connectivity from unserved and underserved markets globally to the Kingdom. The program works at the intersection of tourism and aviation to establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tourism air connectivity.
China Southern Airlines, directly affiliated with China Southern Air Holding Company Ltd., operates more than 850 passenger and cargo transport aircraft. The airline's fleet ranks 1st in Asia, showcasing a range of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.
