Chinese Airlines Increases Flights to Europe

Chinese airlines continue to expand their flight networks between Europe and China. The increase in capacity on existing routes and the opening of new routes indicate that air traffic between the two regions will become even more intense.

Boeing 747-8 Returns to Frankfurt

China’s flag carrier Air China has decided to operate its flights on the Beijing-Frankfurt route with larger-capacity aircraft. As of April 4, 2025, Boeing 747-8s will be used on this route. This change, which was previously operated with Boeing 777-300ERs, is considered a response to increasing passenger demand. The 747-8 flights, which will operate twice a week, will offer passengers a larger cabin and a more comfortable journey.

The Boeing 747-8 is one of the largest aircraft in the Air China fleet, with a capacity of 467 passengers and stands out as an ideal model for long-haul flights. Frankfurt will become one of the most important transfer hubs in Europe for Chinese passengers, and this change will contribute to the increase in both business and tourist travel.

Sichuan Airlines Chengdu – Madrid Flights

Chinese airlines are not only strengthening their existing routes, but also adding new destinations to their flight network. Sichuan Airlines, one of China’s largest private airlines, will start flights from Chengdu to Madrid on April 27, 2025. This new route will be operated four times a week with Airbus A330-200 aircraft.

Chengdu stands out as one of the important trade and tourism centers of China, while Madrid stands out as one of the most visited cities in Europe. This new connection is expected to strengthen tourism and trade relations between the two cities.

Chinese Airlines Are Growing Stronger in Europe

In recent years, Chinese airlines have begun to have a greater say in the European market. With the recovery process after the pandemic, China-based airlines' capacity increase policies for Europe have accelerated. It is stated that the market share of Chinese airlines in China-Europe flight traffic is larger than that of European carriers.

In particular, major airlines such as Air China, China Southern and China Eastern are gaining ground by offering larger aircraft and more frequent flights to major European cities. Smaller carriers such as Sichuan Airlines are also joining this growth trend, aiming to connect different parts of China to Europe.

Experts predict that the presence of Chinese airlines in Europe will become even stronger in the coming years. It is stated that these expansion policies in both passenger and cargo transportation will further develop economic and touristic relations between Europe and China.