Regular direct flight route links China, Samoa

An air route linking south China's coastal city of Haikou and Apia, capital of Samoa, was launched on Sunday, marking the start of a regular direct flight between the two countries. 　

The flight, operated by Hainan Airlines, will depart Haikou every Saturday with the flight number HU435, flying back the next day with the flight number HU436. 　

"In terms of routes, we have arranged a round-trip flight per week," said Ding Jiabin, chairman of Hainan United Airlines Travel Group Co., Ltd, "Its importance is to play a pivotal role, that is, to facilitate Chinese people to transfer to the South Pacific island countries through Haikou. Meanwhile, people from the South Pacific island countries can fly to Haikou through Samoa, and then travel to other destinations in China." 　

The opening of the air route will expand the air transport network between Hainan, which administers Haikou, and the South Pacific region, where Samoa is located. 　

It will also effectively promote the exchanges and cooperation between Hainan and the South Pacific region in such fields as economy, tourism and culture, further accelerating the opening-up of Hainan and facilitating the high-quality development of the Hainan Free Trade Port.