Air China, one of China's largest airline operators, plans to expand its operational network in Eastern Europe.
Following statements made by Peter Szijjarto, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Air China would resume flights to Budapest from May 1. Four weekly flights between Beijing and Budapest have been announced. The Chinese operator will use 330-seat Airbus A200-227 aircraft. The Beijing-Budapest flight will stop in Minsk, Belarus, while the Budapest-Beijing flight will be operated directly.
The flights Beijing - Minsk - Budapest - Beijing will be operated according to the following schedule:
CA721 PEK 13: 00 - 17: 20 MSQ 18: 50 - 19: 40 BUD 330 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
CA722 BUD 21: 10 - 12: 40 + 1 PEK 330 x246 Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays
Air China's entry into the Hungarian market marks the resumption of air links between Beijing and Budapest, after the last flight on this route was operated by Hainan Airlines on 2012.
Air China is a Star Alliance member and operates a fleet of 523 aircraft (including subsidiaries). Weekly, Air China operates over 7000 flights, on 322 domestic and international routes, and offers a capacity of approximately 1.3 million seats.
Between March 12-15, 2015, the Romanian Tourism Fair took place, and Air China had a large stand. Not very attractive, but it seems that it also probes the Romanian market. Let's hope for a route Bejing - Bucharest?