Hainan Airlines Resumes Direct Flights Between Vienna and Shenzhen

Hainan Airlines, China's largest privately owned air transport company, has resumed its direct flights between Vienna and the high-tech metropolis of Shenzhen. The route, which had been suspended since February 2020 due to the pandemic, officially reopened today, May 29, 2024. The airline will operate two weekly flights, deploying a state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

A Boost to Tourism and Business

The resumption of this route signifies a positive step for tourism and business relations between China and Austria. Zhuo Zhang, General Manager Austria of Hainan Airlines, Ernst Woller, First President of the Vienna State Parliament, and Julian Jäger, Joint CEO and COO of Vienna Airport, celebrated the event with a formal inauguration and photo session at Vienna Airport.

Enhancing International Connectivity

"Welcome Back, Hainan Airlines! We are delighted that one of the most important Chinese airlines resumed operating direct flights between Vienna and Shenzhen. China is an important market for Vienna Airport and for the entire business and tourism location of Austria," said Julian Jäger. He emphasized the significance of this route in strengthening Vienna's position as an international hub.

Strengthening Economic and Cultural Ties

Ernst Woller highlighted the broader implications of the route's resumption: "Hainan Airlines is bringing Vienna and Shenzhen closer together. This strengthens our economic ties as well as the cultural exchange and tourism of both regions." The cities recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote international cooperation on digitalization and sustainability.

Catering to High-Value Travelers

Norbert Kettner, CEO of the Vienna Tourist Board, noted that the resurgence of flights from China supports efforts to attract Chinese luxury travelers. "Before the pandemic, three-quarters of Chinese guests stayed in 4-star and 5-star hotels in Vienna. Our marketing activities in China now focus on the high value-added luxury segment."

Direct Flights Schedule

Starting May 29, 2024, Hainan Airlines will operate flights on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Departing Shenzhen at 2:05 a.m., the flight arrives in Vienna at 7:55 a.m. The return flight leaves Vienna at 11 a.m. and lands in Shenzhen at 4 a.m. the next day. The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers 294 seats in both Business and Economy classes.

A Modern Metropolis: Shenzhen

Shenzhen, a city of approximately 17 million inhabitants, is renowned for its rapid economic growth and status as a leading technology center. It hosts the headquarters of top multinational companies such as Siemens, Huawei, and Microsoft. As one of China's first special economic zones, Shenzhen has evolved into a vibrant megacity with impressive skyscrapers, innovative startups, and a dynamic cultural life.

About Hainan Airlines

Founded 31 years ago, Hainan Airlines operates over 1,800 international and regional routes to more than 200 cities worldwide. It has received a 5-Star Airline Rating for twelve consecutive years since 2011. Hainan Airlines' extensive network allows passengers traveling from Vienna to connect to numerous destinations across China.

For more information and booking, visit the Hainan Airlines website.