From December 1, 2024, Vienna Airport will have another connection: Hainan Airlines, China's largest privately owned airline, will offer direct flights three times a week from Vienna to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
This new route not only opens a direct connection between Austria and one of China's most dynamic economic regions, but also strengthens Vienna's role as a central hub between Europe and Asia.
Hainan Airlines: Return of Chinese airlines
By establishing this new connection, Hainan Airlines is sending a strong signal for the return of what was once the world's largest travel market. In 2019, Vienna recorded over half a million overnight stays by Chinese tourists, making the market one of the strongest for the Austrian capital, surpassed only by the USA. "The new Hainan flight is a further step towards the recovery of the route offering between Europe and China," explains Julian Jäger, CEO of Flughafen Wien AG. Vienna Airport already has a strong base in its connection with the Chinese market, and the new connection to Chengdu will further expand this capacity.
Chengdu: A gateway to China's fascinating culture and economy
Chengdu, known for its rich culture and world-famous Sichuan food, has become a major hub for international business. The city, which has a population of about 20 million and is part of a province of 80 million, plays a central role in the Belt and Road project, a major initiative to promote trade and economic cooperation between China and other countries. In addition to its economic importance, Chengdu is also known for its panda breeding. The Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding attracts thousands of tourists every year who want to experience the unique animals in their natural environment.
The new connection will also promote tourism exchange between Austria and China. "The return of flights from China will help us significantly in addressing Chinese luxury travelers," explains Norbert Kettner, CEO of Vienna Tourist Board. Marketing activities in China are now focused exclusively on the high-value luxury segment, which has enormous potential for the further development of quality tourism.
Logistical details of the new connection
Hainan Airlines will operate the route three times a week, with flights on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. The flight from Chengdu to Vienna departs at 02:45 and arrives at 06:05. The return flight from Vienna departs at 12:30 and arrives in Chengdu the following day at 05:10. These times offer passengers the opportunity to travel quickly to Vienna and also plan their return without losing much time in transit.
The opening of this new connection is an important step at a time when the aviation industry worldwide is still struggling with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Vienna Airport has already taken a number of measures to promote travel and is counting on the connection to Chengdu to attract not only tourists but also business travelers.
The cooperation between Hainan Airlines, Vienna Airport and the Austrian Consulate General shows the strategic importance of this connection and the commitment of both sides to promote exchanges between Austria and China. In the past, there have been concerns about the stability of flight connections between the two countries due to geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties, but the new connection sends a positive signal.
The introduction of the direct connection between Vienna and Chengdu is more than just a new flight schedule; it symbolizes the revival of the travel market and the desire for a stronger economic and cultural connection between Europe and Asia. With this route, Vienna Airport is consolidating its role as an important hub for international travel and contributing to strengthening tourism relations between Austria and China.
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