Chengdu to Sri Lanka, nonstop service

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-02-13

Air China, one of China’s leading airlines, commenced its first direct service between Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan province in Southwest China, and Colombo, Sri Lankan capital city, on Feb 10.

Wu Jianghao (center), China’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka, and Arjuna Ranatunga (second from the left), attend the welcoming ceremony in Colombo, Feb 10. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sri Lanka’s Ports and Shipping Minister Arjuna Ranatunga was first to welcome the guests from China at the airport.

On a returning plane in later hours, two medical specialists from Sri Lanka were on board to bring 10 human corneas to donate to Chinese patients.

Two Sri Lankan doctors take 10 human corneas to Chengdu by air to donate to China patients. [Photo/Xinhua]

A total of eight flights will be operating each week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays. The journey between Chengdu and Colombo takes 5.5 hours.

An Airbus A330 by Air China prepares to take off at Colombo International Airport in Sri Lanka, Feb 10. [Photo/Xinhua]

By Shi Zihan and edited by Mevlut Katik