Dhaka: Air China’s maiden flight from Dhaka to Beijing took off at 10:10 pm on July 10. With the move, the first ever capital to capital connectivity between Bangladesh and China was established.

To mark the occasion, an inaugural ceremony was held at the departure lounge of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in the capital. Muhammad Faruk Khan, Minister for Civil Aviation and Tourism, attended the programme as the chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said, “The direct flight from Dhaka to Beijing adds a new dimension to trade and travel expansion between the two countries. Thanks to the new connectivity, leisure, business and student travellers of our country will be able to fly directly to Beijing.”

"We are thrilled to successfully launch this new route, which underscores the strengthening bilateral relations between China and Bangladesh," said An Ming, Country Manager—Bangladesh, Air China while addressing the ceremony.

"This new service will not only facilitate travel but also promote trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries," he added.

As the national flag carrier of China, Air China is committed to providing passengers with exceptional service and a seamless travel experience. The new Dhaka-Beijing route offers more convenient options for travellers, said a release.

Air China will operate four weekly flights on the route, with services available on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

The direct flights depart from Dhaka at 10:10 pm and reach the Capital Airport in Beijing in over five hours.

Liu Yuan, Charge d'Affaires of Chinese Embassy in Dhaka, Air Commodore Sadikur Rahman Chowdhury, Chairman of Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh, Group Captain Md Kamrul Islam, Executive Director of Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport and HVM Lutfor Rahman, Chairman of Irving Group, Global Sales Agent of Air China in Bangladesh were also present on the occasion.