From this summer Air China will start flying from the capital of China to the Italian fashion capital.
The Star Alliance member will launch flights from Beijing to Milan on June 15, with a wide-body Airbus A330.
Air China, with its three-times-weekly service, will be the only carrier to link the two cities directly.
Mr. Zhou Enyong, general manager of Air China's marketing department, said the airline is committed to building its domestic and international network.
“Since joining the Star Alliance in 2007, Air China's international network has been strengthened to cover 29 countries and regions,” he said.
“Moreover, our new routes to Europe will help satisfy growing market demand for travel to Europe and bring more convenience to both Chinese and European passengers."
The journey will take 11 hours and 30 minutes each way – currently it takes 17 hours to do the same trip, which involves a transfer.
Flight CA949 will leave Beijing on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday at 1.30pm, arriving into Milan Malpensa at 7pm.
From Milan, flight CA 950 will leave at 1.30pm, arriving into Beiking at 1.30pm the next day.
Air China started operating its Shanghai-Milan route in 2008.
www.airchina.com