Hainan Eyes Madrid for Latest European Growth

Fast-expanding Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines is planning to launch its first flights into Spain with a twice weekly link to Madrid. According to a preliminary flight schedule the first services from Shanghai Pu Dong could commence as early as September 19 although the schedule has not yet been uploaded into the carrier’s booking system, nor been confirmed by the airline.

The Spanish capital will be served as an extension of Hainan Airlines’ existing Shanghai Pu Dong – Brussels route, with its return flight from Europe being moved four hours later to accommodate the additional sector.

Air China currently offers the only direct service between Spain and China, a five times weekly flight between Madrid and Beijing. An estimated 484,000 O&D passengers travelled between the two countries in the past year, with just 5.9 per cent of these flying between Beijing and Madrid on Air China’s direct service. Around 102,000 O&D passengers are estimated to have flown between Shanghai Pu Dong and Madrid in the last year, all flying via Europe or the Middle East.

Schedule:

HU7907 PVG0030 – 0720BRU0920 – 1120MAD 330 15 19SEP11 -
HU7908 MAD1320 – 1520BRU1720 – 1050+1PVG 330 15 19SEP11 -

Source: Hainan Airlines July 2011 timetable (via Airline Route)