In a strategic move to bolster air connectivity between Saudi Arabia and China, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has partnered with China Eastern Airlines to launch a new air route between Shanghai and Riyadh. This collaboration aims to meet the increasing demand for travel and trade between the two nations and foster closer ties through enhanced connectivity.
Key partnership
The new air route between Saudi Arabia and China will commence operations on April 8th, 2024. It will offer three weekly flights between Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH). Moreover, China Eastern Airlines will operate the route using an A330-200 aircraft, providing an annual capacity of 35,880 inbound seats.
This collaboration between ACP and China Eastern Airlines aims to meet the growing interest and demand for travel between the two nations. Moreover, it aligns with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to deepen bilateral ties with China and achieve a connection that promotes cultural understanding and opens up new growth opportunities.
“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,” said ACP CEO Majid Khan.
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Vision 2030 and tourism goals
Both Saudi Arabia and China expect an increase in trade, people-to-people exchanges and dialogues across various sectors through this ‘Air Silk Road’ initiative. Moreover, the agreement with China Eastern Airlines aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 which focuses on growing sectors like tourism and aviation. Hence, Saudi Arabia aims to become a leading aviation hub in the Middle East and a key connection point between East and West.
In 2023, Saudi Arabia achieved its goals by reaching 100 million tourists, including 27 million foreign tourists, seven years ahead of schedule. Recently, the Kingdom revealed new targets of reaching 150 million tourists, including 70 million foreign tourists by 2030. Therefore, the growing bilateral relations with China will support Saudi Arabia in achieving its tourism and trade goals by 2030 and beyond.
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