China Southern Airlines has announced the launch of Dhaka-Beijing direct flights from July 15 of this month. The flights will be operated on the Dhaka-Beijing route with modern Airbus A-321 aircraft. The aircraft has a total of 199 seats including 12 business classes, 187 economy classes. Initially, China Southern Airlines flights will depart from Dhaka to Beijing every Monday and Saturday.

The airline announced this at the opening ceremony of Dhaka-Beijing direct flight held at an elite hotel in the capital on Monday.

As the chief guest of the event, Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Muhammad Farooq Khan said that China is a tested friend of Bangladesh. China has been working as our development partner for a long time.

Recalling China's cooperation in the construction of the Padma Bridge, he said that when everyone, starting from the World Bank, turned their backs, China came forward to realize the dream of the Prime Minister to build the Padma Bridge with his own money. Development comes through connection. We believe in making connections. He also commented that China is a partner in the development of Bangladesh and more Chinese investments will come to Bangladesh in the future.

The Minister of Civil Aviation and Tourism said that direct flights of China Southern Airlines will strengthen trade and economic relations between Dhaka and Beijing. As there are a lot of tourists in China, we are reviewing the possibility of launching direct flights between Cox's Bazar and Kunming Airport in the future.”

The minister also said that Bangladesh wants to increase communication with neighboring countries including Myanmar, India, China, Nepal and Bhutan to boost the country's economy.

Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, FBCCI President Mahbubul Alam, China Southern Airlines GSA, Amnestor Solutions Limited Managing Director and FBCCI Director Habib Ullah Don, China Southern Airlines Bangladesh General Manager Ji Kangjia, Bidder Executive Chairman Lokman Hossain Mia, among others spoke at the event. Former Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority Chairman Air Vice Marshal. Mofidur Rahman. The event was attended by representatives of Bangladesh Bank, SCB and leading travel agencies among others.