Beijing opens direct air link to Algiers

By Li Qian (Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-26 11:56

Trade and cultural exchanges will benefit from direct flights between Beijing and Algeria which started earlier this week.

The inaugural flight landed in Beijing Capital International Airport in the early morning of February 23 after flying 11 hours from Algeria's capital Algiers. Previously, it took travelers at least 16 hours to get the other city, as they had to transfer flights.

Operated by Air Algeria, the regular direct flight leaves Algiers for Beijing every Thursday and Sunday, and returns every Friday and Monday.

"The shortened flight path will greatly boost tourism between the two nations, which have been enjoying prosperous economic and cultural exchanges and close diplomatic contact," said Samy Boutemadja, chief representative of Air Algeria in China during a press conference in Beijing Wednesday.

More than 40 major Chinese enterprises have invested in Algeria, the second-largest economy in Africa, with trade and businesses expanding quickly. China is now Africa's third largest trade partner since 2005.

"The new air route will serve as an everlasting bridge between West Africa and China," Boutemadja added.

During the press conference, Algerian Ambassador to China Djamel Eddine Grine hailed the airline route's inauguration at a time when the two countries just celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

"This will not only accelerate people's traveling and cargo delivery, but also boost communication of the two peoples," the ambassador said, treasuring the friendship of the two countries established since Algeria's anti-colonial movements.

Wang Guodong, head of Air Algeria's Chinese operational agency Oriental Sky Aviation, predicted a huge demand of seats to other parts of Africa from Algiers as the transfer hub after the opening of Beijing-Algiers route.

"More frequent flights may help Africa absorb foreign investment and expand international trade, thus face up to the ongoing financial turmoil," Boutemadja said, adding Air Algeria is also looking to open an Algiers-Shanghai air route.