BEIJING, May 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 18th, Air China resumed its Beijing-Athens scheduled service. Passengers traveling between China and Greece will enjoy more convenience.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080625/CNW017LOGO)

On 9:30 p.m., May 17th, Air China held a grand resumption ceremony at Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport. Leaders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of P.R. China, CAAC, and Airport Authorities as well as the leaders from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Greece attended the event. Mr. Georgakelos Theodore, Greek Ambassador to China and Mrs. Feng Run E, Vice President of Air China delivered congratulatory speeches. The flight took off for Athens at 00:40 on schedule.

Air China's Athens service is the only regular flight connecting the two countries. This resumed flight, with the flight number as CA961/962 is operated twice per week on Wednesday and Saturday. The total flying time is only 13 hours and 25 minutes. Air China first opened its service to Athens in 2007 which built up an air bridge between China and Greece. In 2008, Air China flew the Beijing Olympic torch relay flight-"Olympic Flame" to Greece, which further bridged the political, economic and cultural ties between the two counties. The scheduled service was suspended in 2009 due to the global financial crisis. With the recovering of the global economy over the past two years, China has seen increasing trade with Greece and a growing demand for Greek tourism. As the 13th European destination, the Athens route will further expand the company's network and offer travelers more choices.

At the ceremony, Madam Feng Run E, Vice President of Air China said, "China and Greece are both ancient civilizations with abundant cultural and natural tourism resources. As the only flag carrier of People's Republic of China, Air China is pleased and proud to contribute to the economic and people exchanges between the two countries. Air China is as always committed to transport friendship and happiness between Greece and China, to offer travelers a comfortable and unique travel experience, and to promote world peace, solidarity, and development."

About Air China:

Air China is the only flag carrier of People's Republic of China and a member of the Star Alliance. It operates 287 Airbus and Boeing aircraft on 271 routes to 32 countries and regions.

For more information, please log onto Air China website: http://www.airchina.com

SOURCE Air China