Alitalia announces service to Beijing

(AGI) Rome, Apr. 13 - Alitalia is resuming service between Italy and China. The Italian airline inaugurates a new Rome-Beijing direct flight on July 18, another step forward as Alitalia proceeds with its long-haul network development plan. The new service represents Alitalia's third new intercontinental route of 2016, following Santiago de Chile (starting May 1) and Mexico City (starting June 16). "We are committed to strengthening our presence in the Far East. The new route to Beijing represents a crucial investment for Alitalia as we continue to expand our network through increased long-haul flying to strategic markets", said Alitalia's Chief Executive Officer, Cramer Ball. The launch of this new service was well-received by the Italian business community in China, who lent their invaluable support during negotiations on technical aspects with the Chinese authorities. The Italian Ambassador to China, Ettore Sequi, commented: "We accompanied and supported negotiations for this flight at all stages. The important opening of the new Alitalia Rome-Beijing service is the result of great Italian teamwork." The new four-days-a-week service further strengthens Alitalia's presence in the Far East, extending existing daily services to Tokyo and Seoul. Companies doing business with Italy will also have the opportunity to send or receive goods thanks to Alitalia's cargo transportation using its aircraft hold. Departures from Rome Fiumicino are scheduled every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at 2.20 pm, arriving in Beijing at 6.20 am (local time) the next day. Departures from Beijing are scheduled every Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 9.15 am (local time), arriving in Rome at 2.25 pm. This schedule offers convenient connections in Rome Fiumicino to customers traveling from 50 cities in Italy, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Passengers flying to Beijing can connect to more than 30 destinations with SkyTeam Alliance partners China Southern and China Eastern. Alitalia also serves China with Etihad Airways flights, via Abu Dhabi, to Beijing, Shanghai and Chendou. Alitalia will operate an Airbus A330 aircraft between Rome and Beijing with 250 seats equipped with three cabin classes: Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Onboard service includes newly renovated cabin layouts, as well as wi-fi connectivity for phone calls, internet and e-mail. Business Class seats fully recline to comfortable flatbed positions and the new "Dine Anytime" meal service allows guests to decide when to dine on board. Tickets can be purchased on the website Alitalia.com, by calling the Customer Centre (number 89.20.10) or at travel agencies and the airport. Passengers can accumulate and spend air miles using the new service. An extra bonus of up to 5,000 miles is given to those who fly to Beijing before Sept. 18. (AGI) . .