MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Air China direct flight Beijing/Sao Paulo

The first direct flight Beijing/Sao Paulo in Brazil with a call in Madrid took off Sunday from China's capital and should cover the distance in just over twenty four hours.

This is also the first flight between China and South America for the official Chinese flag carrier Air China.

The flight is scheduled twice a week, leaving Thursdays and Sundays from Beijing and is geared to take advantage of the growing tourism trade between Spain, China and South America as well as attracting businessmen to the bourgeoning trade.

According to the official Chinese news agency, Xinhua, Air China will be using a Boeing 767/300 with a 208 passenger capacity and should take 12 hours and 45 minutes in the first leg of the trip to Madrid, and 11 hours, 50 minutes to Sao Paulo.

"Once we're well placed in Brazil and we get to know the South American air traffic market, we will consider the possibility of new direct routes to China to other destinations such as Argentina or Mexico", said Air China in an official release.