Air China to Launch Beijing - Johannesburg Flights

Air China will launch Beijing-Johannesburg nonstop flights on 29 October 2015, the first air link offered by a Chinese carrier between mainland China and South Africa, and also Air China's first route to Africa.

Spearheading the economy of Africa, South Africa accounts for about one third of Africa's GDP.

Africa is also China's biggest trading partner in Africa. Currently, approximately 1.2 million Chinese live in South Africa and the latest statistics from Chinese customs suggest that in 2014, the China - Africa import and export volume amounted to US$ 221.88 billion - an all-time high, up 5.5% over the previous year.

Back in the 1970's, Air China started nonstop flights to Africa. Johannesburg will be the first destination Air China will begin to serve on 29 October, after many years of absence from the African market.

This year, Air China will also start a Beijing - Addis Ababa service.

The two routes are part of Air China's endeavor to build its global route network with its hub in Beijing, and make it easier for travelers from countries like China, Japan, South Korea and Singapore to travel to and from South Africa and Africa as a whole and offer additional flight options for travelers.