NW China's Xi'an to launch direct round-trip flights to Vienna in April

XI'AN, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- A new nonstop passenger air route linking Xi'an, capital of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, and Vienna will be launched on April 20, further expanding direct air links between China's inland regions and Europe, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport announced on Thursday.

The round-trip service will be operated by China Eastern Airlines using Airbus A330 aircraft, with flights scheduled three times a week on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets for the inaugural flight are now on sale, the airport confirmed.

The Xi'an-Vienna route is among the latest international additions to China Eastern Airlines' network. It establishes a direct air connection between China's historic starting point of the ancient Silk Road and Austria's capital, known as the "city of music."

The regional branch of this airline said the new route is expected to boost trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between northwest China and Austria, a key transport hub connecting Eastern and Western Europe.

China Eastern Airlines will operate this service under flight numbers MU5063 and MU5064. ■