On December 27 Air China announced the launch of a new service between China and Cuba – the first route between the two countries – that operates via a technical stop in Montreal, Canada.
At a ceremony held at Beijing Capital International Airport’s Terminal 3, Cuba’s ambassador to China Alberto Blanco extended his congratulations on the start of the Beijing-Havana service, whilst Air China’s vice chairman Wang Yinxiang highlighted closer economic and trade ties between China and Cuba in recent years as a factor in the decision to start the new route.
Between January and November this year 25,777 Chinese travellers visited Cuba – a 16.5 per cent increase year-on-year for the same period, according to Cuban government statistics.
Flights CA879/CA880 will operate three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday using a B777-300ER. The outbound flight leaves Beijing at 1400, arriving in Montreal at 1620 and in Havana at 2015 the same day. Flight CA880 departs Havana at 0900, arrives in Montreal at 1430 and Beijing at 1730 the following day.
The flight time of approximately 19 hours is much faster than previous journey times for routes between the two countries, which would have to go via France, Germany, Spain or Mexico.
For more information visit airchina.com
Jeremy Tredinnick