Hainan Airlines sees Beijing-Brussels passenger flow rise in 10 years

Hainan Airlines' direct flight between Beijing and Brussels has increased five-fold in the past ten years, according to the company's Brussels chief.

Yang Jiuzhou, the general manager in Hainan Airlines Brussels Office, revealed the increase at a function to mark the route's tenth anniversary on Thursday night.

Hainan Airlines launched its direct flight in 2006, on the 35th anniversary of the diplomatic relationship between China and Belgium. The flow of passenger has risen to 114,000 in 2015, from 24,000 in 2006.

Yang says the route is one of the longest in terms of operating time amongst Hainan Airlines' transcontinental flights.

"Looking at the prospects of the coming decade, we hope we can contribute more to boost the exchanges between China and Belgium, China and Europe," Yang says.

At the celebration, Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing praised the airline for its "story of success" achieved in the previous years and the success of the flight between Brussels and Beijing is "part of such glory."

"As we are celebrating the 45th anniversary of the bilateral relationship, I hope more direct flights between China and Belgium will be launched to enhance exchanges," Qu said.

Qu said Belgium Prime Minister Charles Michel will visit China in October after a March visit was postponed due to the terrorist attacks in Brussels.

Privately-owned Hainan Airlines operates 700 domestic and international flights.

Yao Yueyang contributed to the story

To contact the reporter: fujing@chinadaily.com.cn