In a strategic move to boost air travel between Saudi Arabia and China, the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has teamed up with China Eastern Airlines to introduce a fresh air route bridging the two countries. This initiative is set to take off on April 8th, 2024, with China Eastern Airlines scheduling three weekly direct flights from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH), utilizing an A330-200 aircraft with a yearly capacity to accommodate 35,880 inbound passengers.
The partnership is a proactive response to the escalating demand for travel between the two nations and is in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to strengthen bilateral relations with China, fostering cultural ties and unlocking avenues for mutual economic growth.
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,
stated ACP CEO, Majid Khan.
China Eastern Airlines echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that the route’s launch not only signifies a budding partnership with ACP but also heralds a new era of enriched cooperation between the countries.
The ‘Air Silk Road’ initiative is expected to amplify trade, cultural exchanges, and sectoral dialogues. Saudi Arabia, propelled by its Vision 2030 which seeks to diversify its economy with a focus on tourism and aviation, aspires to become a premier aviation hub bridging the East and West. Having surpassed its tourist arrival targets in 2023 by welcoming 100 million visitors, the Kingdom now sets its sights on attracting 150 million tourists by 2030, with foreign tourists expected to make up nearly half of this figure.
The ACP, an entity under Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Tourism, is committed to improving air links to unserved and underserved global markets, thereby supporting the National Tourism Strategy’s goals and positioning the Kingdom as a leader in tourism air connectivity.
As a cornerstone airline of China, China Eastern Airlines boasts a history dating back to 1957 and is recognized as one of the country’s three major state-owned carriers. With approximately 800 aircraft in its fleet, one of the youngest globally, and the largest collection of widebody aircraft in China, the airline is a leader in aviation innovation and commercial operations.