Qantas launches Flights to Beijing

Qantas this week launched non-stop services between Sydney and Beijing.

The airline will initially operate three flights a week to Beijing but hopes to offer daily flights to both Beijing and Shanghai within two years.

"We are delighted to return to Beijing, one of the world's great cities and host to the 2008 Olympic Games," Qantas Executive General Manager John Borghetti said.

"China, one of the fastest growing travel markets in the world, is an increasingly important destination for Qantas,"

"The total travel market between Australia and China has grown by 22% in the past year." he said.

With the new Beijing services, Qantas now offers daily non-stop flights to China - four to Shanghai and three to Beijing.

"In addition to our non-stop services to China, the Qantas Group currently operates 31 flights a week to Hong Kong," Mr Borghetti added.

"This means Qantas passengers can access destinations throughout China via Hong Kong, or by connecting with local carriers in either Beijing or Shanghai."

The new Beijing services are timed to suit customers connecting to cities throughout Australia and New Zealand. Qantas also codeshares on China Eastern services between Sydney and Shanghai (three times a week) to provide a daily link to Shanghai for Qantas customers.

Qantas' new two-class Airbus A330-300 aircraft operate on all flights to China, providing:

- Qantas' Skybed sleeper seat in Business Class;
- on-demand audio and video entertainment - including a Mandarin selection - in Business and Economy, accessed by personal video screens;
- a choice of Western-style meals or Northern Chinese cuisine and refreshments; and
- service by English- and Mandarin-speaking Australian and Chinese cabin crew.

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