HELSINKI, March 30 (Xinhua) -- Representatives from the aviation, tourism and business sectors on Monday voiced expectations that China Southern Airlines' new direct route between Beijing and Helsinki will boost tourism, trade ties and exchanges between China and Finland.
The remarks were made at an event hosted by China Southern Airlines in Helsinki, one day after the successful inaugural direct flight between the Chinese and Finnish capitals.
Nearly 200 guests, including representatives from China Southern Airlines, Finnish airport operator Finavia, Finnish national tourism board Visit Finland, the Chinese Embassy in Finland, local authorities, the media, and the travel and business sectors, attended the event.
Speaking at the event, Zeng Yongchao, executive vice president of China Southern Air Holding Company, said the new route will make travel between the two countries smoother, expand business and tourism opportunities, and offer passengers a more convenient and comfortable experience.
The route, launched on Sunday and operated by Boeing 787 wide-body aircraft, will initially run three times a week before increasing to daily service from June 20, Zeng said, noting that the route links not only Helsinki and Beijing, but also Finland with the broader Chinese market.
Finavia CEO Kimmo Maki said the route will provide European travelers with a fast and efficient connection to Beijing and onward to other parts of China and Asia, while also helping attract more Chinese visitors to Finland.
Teemu Ahola, director of international operations at Visit Finland, said the direct link has been long-awaited and will support not only tourism, but also trade, cultural exchanges and broader bilateral ties.
He said Chinese tourists have long been an important source for Finland's tourism industry, adding that Chinese overnight stays in Finland rose 20 percent last year to nearly 250,000.
Chen Huixin, charge d'affaires ad interim of the Chinese Embassy in Finland, said the direct link between the two capitals will inject fresh momentum into bilateral exchanges, as Beijing and Helsinki are marking the 20th anniversary of their sister-city relationship this year.
