Hainan Airlines launched a new direct international flight on Saturday, connecting Beijing Capital International Airport to Oslo, Norway. This marks the first direct flight between China and Norway from the capital airport since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Haikou-based airline plans to operate three round-trip flights each week, specifically on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Oslo, as the capital and largest city of Norway, is a vital hub for political, economic, and cultural activities, and is known for hosting the annual Nobel Peace Prize ceremony.
According to Hainan Airlines, the launch of this route aims to provide a more convenient travel experience for both Chinese and Norwegian passengers. They expressed hopes that the flights will enhance the cultural exchange and foster sustained and stable development between China and Norway.
Henning Kristoffersen, commercial counselor at the Norwegian Embassy in China, commented on the significance of the new flights, stating they would create broader bridges for tourism, economic, and trade exchanges between the two nations. Kristoffersen emphasized that Norway looks forward to welcoming more tourists and businesses from China, seeking new opportunities.
In addition to bolstering tourism, Kristoffersen highlighted Norway's encouragement for Chinese companies to invest in the country, suggesting collaborations with local firms to expand into the global market.
Hainan Airlines has also expressed its commitment to enhancing Beijing's status as an aviation hub, thus injecting new energy into the development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. By expanding its route network and offering high-quality aviation services, the airline aims to further strengthen its operational capabilities.
This direct flight connection is not just a travel development but also a significant marker of evolving relations between China and Norway, illustrating progress toward increased international cooperation in various domains.
