News

Air China unveils 2015 long-haul expansion

7 Jan 2015 by Clement Huang

Beijing-based Air China has unveiled its long-haul expansion plans for 2015.

The Star Alliance member will introduce a thrice-weekly Beijing – Johannesburg service from June 19 using its flagship Boeing B777-300ER aircraft. The flights will operate out of the Chinese capital on every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The Beijing – Johannesburg route is currently served thrice-weekly (Tue, Thu, Sat) by South African Airways (SAA), also a Star Alliance member.

From September 20, Air China will also launch a thrice-weekly Beijing – Montreal – Havana service. This route will also be operated by the 311-seat B777-300ER featuring 8 first, 42 business and 261 economy seats.

Though not confirmed yet, it is widely expected that Air China will have fifth freedom rights for the Montreal – Havana sector, meaning it can sell tickets to Canadian holidaymakers on their way south. The Caribbean, and Cuba in particular, rank among the most visited destinations by Canadians. Air Canada flies to Havana daily from Toronto; the Montreal – Havana route is currently not in any airline’s fixed schedule.

Another noteworthy addition to Air China’s network will be a thrice-weekly Beijing – Addis Ababa service from October 10. The carrier will operate the new service every Monday, Thursday and Saturday using an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. Star Alliance partner Ethiopian Airlines already flies the route daily.

For more information visit airchina.com

Dominic Sebastian Lalk

Loading comments...

Search Flight

See a whole year of Reward Seat Availability on one page at SeatSpy.com

Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Business Traveller March 2024 edition
Be up-to-date
Magazine Subscription
To see our latest subscription offers for Business Traveller editions worldwide, click on the Subscribe & Save link below
Polls