King Khalid International Airport Welcomes the First Flight of China Eastern Airlines from Shanghai

Riyadh, April 10, 2024

King Khalid International Airport, managed and operated by Riyadh Airports Company, welcomed the first flight of China Eastern Airlines today. This is one of three weekly flights operated by the airline for the first time between Riyadh and Shanghai.

This initiative is part of fruitful cooperation and continuous coordination among several stakeholders, including the General Authority of Civil Aviation, the Air Connectivity Program, the Saudi Tourism Authority, and Riyadh Airports Company. The goal is to meet the growing demand, offer services and products that meet expectations, and enhance the travel experience for Chinese visitors. These efforts aim to allow visitors to enjoy Saudi Arabia’s unique destinations, cultural diversity, world-class events, and renowned Saudi hospitality.

On this occasion, the CEO of Riyadh Airports Company, Mr. Ayman Abdulaziz Abouaba, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between Riyadh Airports and China Eastern Airlines. He highlighted that this step represents a significant addition to the airport's pivotal role in establishing Saudi Arabia as a leading international aviation hub in the Middle East. He also noted that this partnership is the result of a recent visit by leaders of the aviation sector, led by His Excellency the President of the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Mr. Abdulaziz Al-Duailej, to China. The visit aimed to increase the number of flights and destinations, fostering air traffic growth in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and the National Aviation Strategy.

Abouaba added: "This collaboration will result in China Eastern Airlines operating three weekly flights from Shanghai Pudong International Airport to King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. This route will increase the annual seat capacity for travelers from China to the Kingdom to 35,880 passengers."

Regarding this partnership, the CEO of the Air Connectivity Program, Mr. Majid Khan, said: "We are delighted to welcome China Eastern Airlines, one of the world's largest airlines, to our growing network. The new route connecting Shanghai (PVG) and Riyadh opens the gateway for travelers from China's commercial capital and beyond to explore Saudi Arabia's rich history and authentic culture."

Mr. Fahd Hamidaddin, CEO and Board Member of the Saudi Tourism Authority, commented: "China is one of the largest and most important international markets we aim to reach, targeting five million tourists annually by 2030." He added: "The launch of China Eastern Airlines flights between Shanghai and Riyadh is the culmination of the Saudi Tourism Authority's efforts, which have made Saudi Arabia an official destination for Chinese tourists. This includes launching a global promotional campaign targeting Chinese travelers and improving and enriching their journey with a range of services and facilities. These efforts span from trip planning to experiencing unique destinations, Saudi culture, and hospitality, all the way to a safe return home."

China Eastern Airlines has announced that tickets for Shanghai-Riyadh flights are now available, and travelers can visit the airline's official website and app for more details.

In July, King Khalid International Airport became the first airport in the Middle East to receive the "Welcome Chinese" certification. This certification is based on several criteria and travel services tailored to Chinese tourists, such as Chinese-language signage in the terminal and payment options in the airport’s duty-free market. This certification has been a key motivator for the collaboration between Riyadh Airports and China Eastern Airlines.

It is noteworthy that China Eastern Airlines is one of China’s leading airlines. Established in Shanghai in 1957, the airline is listed on the Shanghai and Hong Kong stock exchanges and operates a fleet of approximately 800 aircraft, making it one of the world’s most modern airline fleets.