China Southern Airlines prepares for Belgrade launch

China Southern Airlines is preparing for the launch of two weekly flights between Guangzhou and Belgrade by the end of the year. As EX-YU Aviation News learns, services are expected to commence around the same time as Air Serbia introduces its operations between the two cities, which was recently scheduled for September 30. The two carriers are set to cooperate on the new route, with a codeshare agreement likely. China Southern, which currently serves ten European airports, would provide connections to its extensive network, which includes the rest of China, Asia and Australia. Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province and a major commercial hub in South China, has led the country in airport passenger numbers for four consecutive years.

This July, China Southern Airlines is the sixth largest airline in the world based on available seat capacity and the seventh in terms of the number of operated flights. It will become the second Chinese carrier to serve Belgrade after Hainan Airlines, which maintains operations from Beijing, and the third scheduled wide-body operator at the airport, with the airline expected to deploy its Dreamliner jets on the route. During an official visit to Serbia in May, China’s President Xi Jinping, called on for the introduction of more flights between the two countries. “We encourage airlines from both sides to launch more flights between the two countries, as well as direct flights between Belgrade and Guangzhou”, Mr Xi said.

During the January - May period, a total of 46.977 Chinese tourists visited Serbia, representing an increase of 70.8% on 2023. A series of strategic cooperation agreements were recently reached between Guangdong province and Serbia. A delegation from the province, led by its Vice Governor, visited the country late last month to promote trade and tourism. A Free Trade Agreement between Serbia and China, signed in October 2023, came into effect on July 1. Covering over 20.000 products, exports such as fresh apples, blueberries, dried plums, jams, seeds, and beef from Serbia to the Chinese market can now proceed without tariffs. The agreement aims for full liberalisation within fifteen years and is expected to significantly boost cargo between the two countries.