STORY: Saudi flag carrier launches direct route to Beijing
DATELINE: Aug. 5, 2023
LENGTH: 00:01:21
LOCATION: JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia
CATEGORY: ECONOMY
 
SHOTLIST:
1. various of airport in Saudi Arabia
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIANG YUN, Passenger
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANITA GACKOWSKA, Vice President, Route Development of Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP)
4. various of airport and the direct flight in Saudi Arabia
 
STORYLINE:
 
Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) launched on Friday a direct route connecting the kingdom's capital Riyadh and Red Sea port city of Jeddah to Beijing, the capital of China.
 
According to the carrier, the new route to China reflects its role in connecting the two countries in various aspects, including trade and business, tourism and culture.
 
SOUNDBITE 1 (Chinese): JIANG YUN, Passenger
"The launch of the direct flight route has saved me a lot of travel time. In the past, I had to travel to Saudi Arabia via other places. I am looking forward to taking the direct flight more often in the future."
 
SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ANITA GACKOWSKA, Vice President, Route Development of Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP)
"For us, this is a historic moment linking two countries that are economically becoming closer.
We're very hopeful that many Chinese tourists will visit Saudi Arabia to understand the culture, the hospitality, the food, and most importantly, the friendliness of the Saudi people. "
 
The flag carrier of Saudi Arabia now operates two flights between Jeddah and Beijing every Monday and Friday and two flights between Riyadh and Beijing every Sunday and Wednesday.
 
Before the opening of the passenger route to Beijing, Saudia's only operating destination in China was the southern city of Guangzhou.
 
Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
(XHTV)