Sichuan Airlines launches direct flights between Chengdu and Madrid

(ECNS) -- Sichuan Airlines has officially launched a direct air route linking Chengdu and Madrid, further strengthening ties between China and Spain.

Flight 3U3803 departed from Chengdu Tianfu International Airport at 1:50 a.m. on Sunday and landed at Madrid Airport at 1:01 p.m. local time. An Airbus A350 operates the new service with a signature panda-themed livery. It runs four times a week, departing from Chengdu on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.

The inaugural flight reported a load factor of 95 percent, according to Sichuan Airlines. In addition to passengers from Chengdu, travelers from major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, Xi'an in Shaanxi Province, and Kunming in Yunnan Province, as well as from Japan and South Korea, can also join the flight to Madrid.

The launch comes as China and Spain celebrate the 20th anniversary of their comprehensive strategic partnership and as China marks 50 years of diplomatic ties with the European Union. As sister cities, Chengdu and Madrid are expected to see closer exchanges in tourism, business, and culture with the new direct link.

(By Zhao Li)