The FINANCIAL — Alitalia inaugurates a new Rome-Beijing direct flight, resuming service between Italy and the People’s Republic of China. One more step forward as Alitalia proceeds with its long-haul network development plan. The new Beijing service represents Alitalia’s third new intercontinental route of 2016, following Santiago de Chile (starting 1 May) and Mexico City (starting 16 June).
“We are committed to strengthen our presence in the Far East. The new route to Beijing represents a crucial investment for Alitalia as we continue to expand our network through increased long-haul flying to strategic markets”, said Alitalia’s Chief Executive Officer, Cramer Ball. The announcement of this new service was well-received by the Italian business community in China, who lent their invaluable support during negotiations with the Chinese authorities.
The Italian Ambassador to China, H E Ettore Sequi, commented: “We accompanied and supported negotiations for this flight during all stages. The important and desired opening of the new Alitalia’s Rome-Beijing service is the result of great Italian teamwork.”
In addition to existing daily services to Tokyo and Seoul, the Beijing flight further strengthens Alitalia’s presence in the Far East. Companies doing business with Italy will also have the opportunity to send or receive goods thanks to Alitalia’s cargo transportation through its aircraft belly.
Departure from Rome Fiumicino is every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2.20 pm, arriving in Beijing at 6.20 am (local time) the next day. Departure from Beijing is every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 9.15 am (local time), arriving in Rome at 2.25 pm. This schedule offers convenient connections in Rome Fiumicino to customers traveling from 50 cities in Italy, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Guests flying to Beijing can connect to more than 30 destinations with SkyTeam Alliance partners China Southern and China Eastern. Alitalia also serves China with Etihad Airways code-share flights, via Abu Dhabi, to Beijing, Shanghai and Chendou, according to Alitalia.
Alitalia will operate an Airbus A330 aircraft between Rome and Beijing with 250 seats equipped with three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Onboard service includes newly renovated cabin layouts, as well as Wi-Fi connectivity for phone calls, Internet and e-mail. Business Class seats fully recline to comfortable flatbed positions and the new “Dine Anytime” meal service allows guests to decide when to dine on board.
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