The launch of China Southern Airlines’ direct flights between Guangzhou and Belgrade represents a key milestone in the strengthening of ties between China and Serbia. Being the world’s sixth-largest airline, China Southern has launched flights between Guangzhou and Belgrade, linking the two cities and highlighting the importance of its partnership with Air Serbia. Therefore, the latter’s forthcoming flights to Guangzhou and future plans for Shanghai symbolises the importance of this alliance for the aviation industry.
New flight opportunities
The new Guangzhou-Belgrade route, operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner facilitates air travel for business professionals, tourists, and students. More particularly, the carrier’s jet displays 28 seats in business class and the remaining 268 in economy. The airline plans to maintain two weekly flights between the two cities, on Wednesdays and Sundays. Furthermore, it becomes Belgrade’s second airline from China following Hainan Airlines. It is also the first carrier to operate Dreamliner aircraft to the city regularly. Han Wen Sheng, Vice President and Chairman of China Southern Airlines, said:
The opening of this route not only provides a more convenient travel option for passengers from China and Serbia, but also further promotes exchanges and cooperation between the two countries in the fields of economy, trade, tourism, and culture. The opening of this route will further strengthen air connectivity between China and Serbia, and provide a more convenient way of travel for business people, international students and travel enthusiasts.
More about the partnership
While China faces tense relationships with other nations in Southeast Asia, as shown by the reduction of routes to the Philippines its connection with Serbia is getting stronger. In particular, China Southern, and Air Serbia have established an interline baggage and ticketing agreement allowing passengers to transfer between flights without needing to collect their luggage or check in again. The new routes also provide travellers with the chance to connect through Guangzhou to China Southern’s extensive network of destinations.
After the opening of Beijing’s second airport in Daxing, Guangzhou became the busiest airport in China. The latter city is of great importance since it is a major centre for manufacturing and commerce being the site of one of the biggest trade fairs globally. More specifically, its strategic location on the Pearl River, about 120 kilometres northwest of Hong Kong, 130 kilometres northwest of Shenzhen, and 145 kilometres north of Macau provides the city with a significant global trade advantage.
As the new Guangzhou-Belgrade route opens up opportunities for enhanced connectivity it raises a significant question. How will this alliance impact the future of the aviation industry and the travel experiences of the individuals of both countries? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
