UAE’s Al Ansari Financial Services eyes majority stake in Omani money exchange firm 

UAE’s Al Ansari Financial Services eyes majority stake in Omani money exchange firm 

BEIJING: In another major step toward strengthening bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and China, the Kingdom’s flag carrier Saudia launched its first direct flight between Jeddah and Beijing last week.    

This move falls in line with Saudi Aviation Strategy, which recognizes the need to increase air connectivity with key markets such as China while accommodating increasing demand from international tourists seeking to discover the Kingdom. 

The southern city of Guangzhou was the only destination for passengers visiting China from Saudi Arabia until now.    

Over the last seven months, Saudia has introduced as many as 25 new destinations, with the latest launch being the first air route between Saudi Arabia and the Chinese capital.   

The company will operate two flights from Jeddah to Beijing every Monday and Friday. While passengers from Riyadh can also directly travel to the Chinese capital every Sunday and Wednesday.  

Calling the inauguration of the new route to China a major milestone, Saudia Director General Ibrahim Al-Omar said this is part of the company’s continuous efforts to expand its global network, which now comprises over 100 destinations.   

“This affirms Saudia’s commitment to contribute to the National Aviation Strategy, which aims to reach 250 destinations by 2030,” Al-Omar said.   

HIGHLIGHTS

The inaugural flight SV886 took off at around 01:15 a.m. on Friday from Jeddah’s King Abdul