Storyline Hainan FTP launches first air route under seventh-freedom traffic right [Voice_over] Hainan's status as an international aviation hub just got another boost – with China's first ever Seventh Freedom of the Air route. This flight path is operated by Kazakhstan's SCAT Airlines and uses Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, with one round-trip flight per week. It adds a new link for connectivity among countries along the Belt and Road and breaks down transit barriers for travel between Asia and Europe. [Sound_bite] Vladimir Andreevich Sytnik, Vice-president, SCAT Airlines: "Sanya is a key city in the development of the Hainan Free Trade Port and actively supports the expansion of the international air transport network. Prague, as a major European tourism and cultural hub, holds significant appeal. For us, this route is an ideal entry point into the Seventh-Freedom transport model. It combines clear market demand, favorable policy conditions, and excellent pilot launch conditions." [Voice_over] Compared to the Fifth Freedom of the Air, the Seventh Freedom of the Air represents a more advanced form of aviation liberalization. To ensure the smooth launch of the route, Haikou Customs established a collaborative mechanism with the airline and the airport, providing customized guidance on key aspects such as route registration and emergency support. Special expedited clearance channels have also been set up for specific personnel, and multilingual consultation service teams were deployed. Phoenix International Airport says they hope these detailed services will make cross-border travel more convenient and welcoming. [Sound_bite] Han Luhai, Chairman, Sanya Phoenix International Airport: "The successful launch of this route is the result of collaborative efforts between the governments and enterprises of China, Kazakhstan, and the Czech Republic. It not only marks the implementation of the highest level of air traffic rights liberalization in China but also represents a critical step for the Hainan Free Trade Port in building the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor shipping hub and the regional aviation gateway hub facing the Pacific and Indian Oceans, and in developing an international air-sea transport network after island-wide special customs operations." [Voice_over] To date, Sanya has launched 41 international air routes, connecting to 32 overseas destinations. Its route network now covers multiple key regions in Asia and Europe. [Restrictions: No access Chinese mainland]