By Natasa Stasinou

 

The launch of direct flights between Shanghai and Athens constitutes a milestone as well as a strong incentive for enhancing travel flow from both sides, Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni, said in a special event attended by the Ambassador of the People's Republic of China to the Hellenic Republic, Xiao Junzheng, and the chairman of Juneyao Air, Wang Junjin.

 

Kefalogianni described the direct air connection between Shanghai and Athens as an important milestone for the ties between Greece and China.

 

The minister pointed out the intangible cultural and spiritual elements that connect two peoples in the course of their history, and made a broad reference to Nikos Kazantzakis, who loved and understood China and its culture, like few foreigners, but also who was loved in China to a point that the Chinese friends of his work called him “Greek Lu Xun”, from the pen name of perhaps the most important Chinese writer of the twentieth century, whom they call “Chinese Kazantzakis”.

 

The Minister of Tourism underlined that the meeting point of the Greek and Chinese spirit is summed up in Kazantzakis’ statement in his travel narrative about China: “Confucius and Socrates are two masks that cover the same face: the bright face of human logic.”Kefalogianni referred to the cooperation plan agreed between the two countries in the field of tourism 11 years ago, adding that the start of direct flights from Shanghai to Athens will open a new chapter for friendship, understanding and cooperation and of course for the trips between Greece and China.

 

Juneyao Air launches direct flight between Shanghai and Athens

 

“Let me express my gratitude to the government services of China and Greece, our partners and customers for their support,” said Wang Junjin, president of Juneyao Air.

 

He added, “with the support and substantial cooperation of all parties, Juneyao Air’s Shanghai-Athens route, which required four years of preparation, was successfully launched. This is due to the joint effort of the leaders of the two countries, China and Greece, who have continued to promote the strong development of bilateral relations, enhance the results of economic cooperation, support mutual understanding and learning, as well as create the ‘One Belt and One Road’, which provides a solid foundation of trust to carry out the Shanghai-Athens route in the long term.”

 

The company will operate three flights a week, every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, initially. This is also the first direct flight that will connect Shanghai and Athens.

 

 

Juneyao Air became the first Chinese private airline to operate intercontinental flights from June 2019, with a daily connection between Shanghai and Helsinki. From its largest hub/base in Shanghai, the company operates 7 aircraft of this type, with 2 more aircraft expected to be delivered by the end of 2024.