Saudi Arabia’s Air Connectivity Program and China’s Hainan Airlines to expand flights between the two countries

• Hainan Airlines and the Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) enter an agreement to launch two new air routes between China and Saudi Arabia
• Collaboration to increase annual passenger capacity in the Kingdom
• Agreement signed amid deepening bilateral ties and increasing demand for air connectivity

Beijing, China, September 25, 2023: The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) has signed a cooperation agreement with Hainan Airlines to launch two new air routes connecting China and Saudi Arabia.  

In the wake of the recently held Arab-China conference, and with a growing demand for flights between China and Saudi Arabia, the routes will boost air travel capacity, offering more options for traveling between the two countries and facilitating greater tourism, trade, and cultural exchanges.

The new routes represent the third and fourth air connections from China to Saudi Arabia, following the successful launch of the Riyadh-Beijing and Jeddah-Beijing routes by national carrier SAUDIA in August 2023, in addition to the carrier’s existing route connecting Jeddah and Guangzhou.

“Our strategic decision to expand in the Saudi market comes at a time of positive global momentum for both our nations. The world’s attention is increasingly drawn to opportunities in Asia and the Middle East. As Hainan Airlines, we believe this is the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership, and we are looking forward to further fostering cultural exchanges, enhancing connectivity, and contributing to the economic growth and friendship between the two countries.” said Jason Liu, Commercial VP of Hainan Airlines.

“China is a key partner market for Saudi Arabia. At ACP, we’ve developed a seamless passenger experience for our Chinese visitors, with tailored amenities for travelers from the People's Republic of China,” said Ali Rajab, CEO of ACP.

He added “The entry of Hainan Airlines into the Saudi market will strengthen the bridge between the two countries and will allow tourists and businesses to explore the attractions and opportunities the two nations have to offer. We look forward to working with Hainan Airlines to strengthen their offering to travelers on these routes.”

Through Vision 2030, – a large economic diversification program focusing on growing sectors like tourism and aviation, among others, Saudi Arabia aims to become a leading aviation hub in the Middle East, and a key connection point between East and West. In 2022, the Kingdom was the world’s second fastest-growing tourism market, according to the World Tourism Organization .  

In line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the Kingdom is drastically scaling up its air route capacity. It aims to attract over 100 million visitors to the Kingdom by 2030.

About the Air Connectivity Program
The Saudi Air Connectivity Program (ACP) was established in 2021 to contribute to tourism growth in Saudi Arabia by enhancing air connectivity and developing existing and prospective air routes, connecting Saudi Arabia to new destinations. ACP works at the intersection of tourism and aviation by bridging the stakeholder ecosystem to enable the National Tourism Strategy’s vision and establish Saudi Arabia as a global leader in tourism air connectivity.

About Hainan Airways
Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Ltd. (hereafter referred to as "Hainan Airlines") was established in January, 1993 in Hainan Province, China's largest special economic zone and free trade port. As one of the fastest growing airlines in China, Hainan Airlines is committed to providing passengers with comprehensive, seamless and high-quality service experience.
Since 1993, Hainan Airlines has been operating safely for 30 consecutive years. As of 2022, Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries operated nearly 1,900 domestic and international routes. We had around 1,700 domestic routes, including all mainland provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the Central Government. As well as more than 200 international routes, including scheduled passenger flights, specific charter flights for work and school, and passenger-to-cargo flights, covering Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Oceania regions, flying to 44 cities overseas. Hainan Airlines has actively responded to The Belt and Road Initiative by focusing on building a world-class airline network. Hainan Airlines and its subsidiaries have established operational bases/branches in 24 cities including Beijing, Haikou, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
Hainan Airlines is the first and only SKYTRAX 5-Star airline in mainland China, who has been awarded the SKYTRAX 5-Star Airline for 12 consecutive years since 2011. This honor is Hainan Airlines highest level of recognition for our outstanding service, and also represents praise from the majority of our passengers for our high quality services.
On December 8, 2021, the actual control rights for the operation and management of the main business were officially transferred to the strategic investor Liaoning Fangda Group. In the future, Hainan Airlines will follow the corporate values put forward by the controlling shareholder Liaoning Fangda Group that,“operating an enterprise must be beneficial to the country, the enterprise, its employees and its customers” and will continue to aspire to build a world-class airline focusing on safety, service and profits.
Fly Your Dreams, Hainan Airlines.