Capital Airlines to open Beijing-Xi'an-Lisbon route
CGTN
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China's Capital Airlines announced on Monday that it will resume its direct flights between China and Portugal from August 30, opening the Beijing-Xi'an-Lisbon route, the only direct flight between the two countries. 

The route will be using an Airbus A330 aircraft, offering three flights each week every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. 

Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Cai Run told a press conference in Lisbon that the resumption of direct flights between China and Portugal on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations, will definitely promote the exchange of personnel of the two countries.

"The Sino-Portuguese cooperation in various fields, ranging from investment and trade to tourism, culture and education, will usher in new opportunities and broader developments," the ambassador said, adding that the resumption of direct flights and the opening of the new route will give new impetus to bilateral cooperation.

Luis Araujo, president of Portuguese Tourism Authorities, said that the opening of the Lisbon-Xi'an-Beijing route will not only facilitate the movements of the two peoples, but also promote business activities between China and Portugal, Portugese-speaking countries and Belt and Road nations. The move is expected to provide assistance to the realization of "comprehensive strategic partnership" and win-win cooperation between Portugal and China, he said.

Capital Airlines opened the Hangzhou-Beijing-Lisbon route on July 26, 2017, the first flight between China and Portugal. However, the company suspended the flights last October. 

In 2017, some 250,000 Chinese tourist arrivals in Portugal were recorded. 

The Terracotta Army /VCG Photo

The Terracotta Army /VCG Photo

Xi'an is the capital city of China's Shaanxi Province, the starting point of the Silk Road, as well as a city of rich culture and historic value that attracts visitors with its signature sites, such as the Terracotta Army and the Dayan Pagoda, to name just a few. 

The Dayan Pagoda /VCG Photo

The Dayan Pagoda /VCG Photo

For more about destinations in Portugal, please read: Take a ride down the Portuguese coast

(Cover image: Capital Airlines /VCG Photo)

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)