Dutch carrier KLM is to launch the first direct flights from Europe to the Chinese city of Hangzhou, with a thrice-weekly service starting on May 8.
The flights will operate from Amsterdam on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays (returning on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays), using B777-200ER aircraft configured for 35 in business class and 283 in economy.
There are currently no non-stop flights from Hangzhou to Europe, although Air China operates a one-stop service to Frankfurt via Beijing, and Cathay Pacific operates connecting services to London via Hong Kong.
Aside from this new Chinese service KLM also flies to Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Hangzhou is the capital of the Zhejiang province, located around 180km southwest of Shanghai, and is an important city for both business and leisure travel, with attractions including the West Lake. Luxury hotel group Jumeirah recently announced it is to manage a 250-room property in the city’s central business district (see online news January 6).
For more information visit klm.com.
Report by Mark Caswell
