Photo : Courtesy
To meet the increasing demand for visits between the two countries, China Southern Airlines will inaugurate a direct flight route from Beijing Daxing International Airport to Dhaka starting from July 15, 2024. The service will operate twice weekly, on Mondays and Saturdays, establishing the first aerial connection between the capitals of the two nations. The new route marks the commencement of a significant enhancement in connectivity between China and Bangladesh. This Dhaka-Beijing route will enhance connectivity and offer more convenient travel options between the two countries.
In this regard, China Southern Airlines hosts the Dhaka-Beijing launching ceremony last night in a city hotel in Dhaka. The event was graced by Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, Honorable Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism, Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh. H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bangladesh, attended the program as the guest of honor.
In his remarks as the Chief Guest, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Mr. Muhammad Faruk Khan, MP, China has always been a great friend for a very long time. He reminisces about the cooperation from China in building the Padma Bridge, and thanked the authorities for making it happen even if there were a lot of obstacles. Connectivity brings development and we believe in connectivity.
While delivering his speech as the chief guest, the Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Faruk Khan said China is Bangladesh's development partner. In the future, more Chinese investments will come in Bangladesh.
"The China Southern Airlines direct flight will strengthen trade and economic ties between Dhaka and Beijing. As China has huge tourists, we think to stair lightweight between Cox's Bazar and Kunming airport in future," he also said.
The minister also stated that Bangladesh wants to enhance its connectivity with neighboring countries including Myanmar, India, China, Nepal and Bhutan to boost the country's economy.
Talking to reporters after the event, he informed me that around 97% wonk of the Third terminal had been completed. By the next several months, the construction work will be completed.
H.E. Mr. Yao Wen, the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Bangladesh congratulated China Southern Airlines for inaugurating direct flight between the Dhaka-Beijing. This route will create more opportunities for greater collaboration, people-to-people connectivity and win-win cooperation. We encourage people of China and Bangladesh to travel and explore the opportunities, he added.
In his Speech, FBCCI President Mr. Mahbubul Alam said, Connectivity is everything. Without connectivity, nothing can be done. FBCCI President thanked China Southern Airlines for inaugurating the Dhaka-Beijing route. He also invited the Chinese investors to invest in Bangladesh.
The Managing Director of GSA, Amnestar Solutions Ltd. Mr. Habib Ullah Dawn said this new route is a testament to our continuous endeavor to connect people, cultures, and economies. We believe that this connection will open new doors for trade, tourism, education, and mutual understanding, bringing our countries even closer together.
The General Manager of China Southern Airlines Mr. Xie Kangjia said, that China Southern Airlines is a leading name in the aviation industry, known for its extensive network and commitment to excellence. As the largest airline in Asia, we proudly operate over 3,000 daily flights, connecting passengers to more than 200 destinations across the globe. Last year we flew more than 120,000 passengers from and to Dhaka, and in the first half of this year, the number is already close to 80,000. Our mission, "Enabling More People to Enjoy Better Flights," I sincerely hope that more and more Bangladeshi people can enjoy the flying experience with China Southern Airlines, he added.
The Executive Chairman of BIDA Mr. Lokman Hossain Miah highlighted the investment opportunities in Bangladesh and invited Chinese investors to take full advantage of the business-friendly environment of Bangladesh.
In addition, the ceremony was attended by other esteemed guests, including the chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB) Air Vice Marshal M Mafidur Rahman BBP, BSP, BUP, ndu, afwc, psc, Executive Chairman of BIDA Mr. Lokman Hossain Miah, representatives from Bangladesh Bank, SCB, and leading travel agencies were present at the program.
The new route, operated by the advanced Airbus A321 Neo aircraft, will provide increased travel options and convenience for passengers traveling between Beijing and Dhaka. The Airbus A321 Neo offers a total seating capacity of 199 seats, including 12 Business Class seats and 187 Economy Class seats.
Initially, China Southern Airlines will operate two weekly flights on this route, available on Mondays and Saturdays, with plans to expand to daily operations shortly.
With the launch of the PKX-DAC route, China Southern Airlines will now operate 18 weekly flights between Bangladesh and China, including the existing daily flights on the Guangzhou-Dhaka-Guangzhou route.
Flight Details:
• Outbound flight number CZ8009 will depart from Beijing Daxing International Airport at 17:20 (Beijing time) and arrive at Dhaka Shahjalal International Airport at 20:40 (local time), with a flight duration of 5 hours and 20 minutes.
• Inbound flight number CZ8010 will depart from Dhaka at 22:10 (local time) and arrive in Beijing at 05:15 the next day (Beijing time), with a flight duration of 5 hours and 5 minutes.
Context:
Bangladesh is the first South Asian country to join the Belt and Road Initiative. In recent years, as China-Bangladesh relations have warmed, there has been an increase in travel and trade between the two countries. The Bangladeshi public's recognition and friendliness towards China have markedly increased, with more Bangladeshis expressing interest in learning about Chinese culture, traveling, studying, and doing business in China. Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Bangladesh, a significant milestone in the history of bilateral relations. The new route symbolizes the continuing development of friendly cooperation in various fields between the two countries. China Southern Airlines remains committed to its mission as a state-owned enterprise, continuously increasing capacity on China-Bangladesh routes, and providing an air bridge for people-to-people and economic exchanges between the two nations.
China Southern Airlines is committed to providing exceptional service and connectivity for its passengers and looks forward to the successful operation of the new Beijing-Dhaka route.
Messenger/Sumon
