There has been a gradual recovery in international travel and increased cross-border flights following China's optimized COVID-19 response measures and easing of restrictions including quarantine-free arrivals in January.
Since June 11, Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines has connected Shanghai and Paris via daily round-trips, from three times a week earlier.
According to China Eastern, the route operated using the Boeing B777-300ER aircraft will further promote economic, cultural and tourism exchanges between China and France, and help passengers with travel. China Eastern has operated the flight for 25 years since its inauguration in 1998, and the air carrier has also set up a European marketing center in Paris.
In May, Beijing's total number of inbound and outbound tourists reached some 650,000, up 19% over April. Those who arrived at or departed from Beijing Daxing International Airport reached 128,000 in May, a record high this year, according to China Immigration Inspection.
The International Air Transport Association forecasted in early June an expected strengthening of airline industry profitability, in an upgrade of its outlook for 2023.
The global airline industry's operating profits are expected to reach $22.4 billion this year, from the estimate in December of a $3.2 billion operating profit. Meanwhile, some 4.35 billion journeys are expected to travel in 2023, close to the 4.54 billion who flew in 2019, the IATA said.
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