By Jiang Wei (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-12-03 09:39

Beijing and Athens started direct commercial flight on November 28, greatly enhancing bilateral ties between the two Olympic host cities for 2004 and 2008 Games respectively.

Greeted by teenagers waving olive branches, 178 passengers arrived in Athens at 6:20 am on November 29 local time after a 15-hour flight. Minister of Tourism of the Hellenic Republic Aris Spiliotopoulos, Greek ambassador to China Michael E. Cambanis, and Air China president Li Jiaxiang were among the passengers. Chinese ambassador Luo Linquan met the first flight delegation at the airport.

During the welcoming ceremony at Athens International Airport, Li said Air China aims to serve as a bridge for cooperation between the two countries, and the new route will promote political, commercial and cultural exchanges between the two sides.

Minister Spiliotopous said: "Today is a special day because Greece and China are now linked by the first direct commercial flight. It opens a door between Asia and Europe, which will also provide tourists and businessmen with great convenience."

Seventy Chinese tourists joined the inaugural flight. For most of the tourists, it was their first visit to the Aegean country. Meng Fei and her husband recently tied the knot and came to Greece for their honeymoon. "We got married in October, and waited for this opportunity to come. Greece is a romantic place, and is also an ideal destination for a honeymoon." Meng added that it was memorable to be the first ones to take the direct flight.

For Greek reporter Cholkiodonis Costas who was also on board, the direct flight is important for communications between the two countries, especially for economic relations. "It is a good step, and Chinese people will have more opportunities to visit Athens." Proud of Greece's history, he recommended the Acropolis and the ancient Olympics site as the must-go places for Chinese tourists.

The flight is operated by Air China, which serves 40 destinations around the world. According to its spokesman Wang Yongsheng, the tickets for the first flight were sold out. He said the route now makes it more convenient for Chinese tourists. As economic development increases, more Chinese tourists have a desire to travel abroad, Wang said.

"Being an ancient country and also the birthplace of the Olympic Games, Greece has become a magnet for Chinese people," Wang added.

As the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games approaches, the new route will not only enhance cooperation between China and Greece, but also open a new route for people from Southern European countries go to Beijing to watch the international sporting event.

The twice-weekly flight has a stopover in Dubai, and the total flying time is around 13 hours and 50 minutes. It departs from Beijing at 8:40 pm on Wednesdays and Sundays, and departs from Athens at 9:30 am on Mondays and Thursdays.