Eight hours to China, ticket price around EUR 500 – HNA Group and Shanghai Financial Leasing closest to Belgrade-Beijing route

There are several airlines interested in establishing a direct route between Serbia and China, and HNA Group and Shanghai Financial Leasing are the closest to realizing the first flight, Vecernje Novosti reports.

The Chinese Premier Li Keqiang stated on Friday, March 31, 2017, that he would support the companies looking to establish a direct airline to Belgrade, but that they would have to agree on the details with the Government of Serbia in the coming period.

The airplanes of HNA Group were supposed to fly from China to Croatia, but, as soon as Serbia abolished the visas to China, they gave up on it, due to complicated visa procedures and other technical difficulties arising from the fact that Croatia is an EU member.

The president of the Chinese Southeast European Business Association, Mario Rendulic, said that an airplane with a capacity of around 300 passengers should fly the Belgrade-Beijing route twice a week, as well as that the ticket might cost around EUR 500.

Rendulic emphasized that it took up to 15 hours to travel from Serbia to China at the moment, as the route passed through Vienna, whereas the establishment of a direct flight would reduce the time needed to eight hours.

HNA Group

Shangai Financial Leasing

Belgrade Beijing airline

Serbia China direct flight

Government of China

Li Keqiang

Government of Serbia

Chinese Southeast European Business Association

Mario Rendulic