Air Serbia, the national carrier of Serbia, is set to make a significant leap in its international operations with the launch of direct flights between Belgrade and Shanghai.
Starting from 11 January 2025, this new route marks a major step in the airline’s expansion strategy, particularly in the Asian market. It follows last month’s inauguration of a Guangzhou service.
The carrier recently took delivery of its third Airbus A330-200 widebody, signalling a further expansion of its long-haul network.
Shanghai Route Details
The Serbian airline will operate flights to Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) twice a week during the upcoming winter season.
Departures from Belgrade to Shanghai are scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays. Return flights from Shanghai to Belgrade will then operate on Wednesdays and Sundays.
This service will continue into the summer season, which begins on 30 March 2025. This will ensure year-round connectivity between the two cities.
Strategic Expansion in China
The introduction of the Belgrade-Shanghai route comes on the heels of Air Serbia’s recent expansion in China. Jiri Marek, CEO of Air Serbia, highlighted the airline’s growing presence in the Chinese market.
“Just nine days ago, on Monday 30 September 2024, we launched scheduled flights between Belgrade and Guangzhou. This is our second destination in the People’s Republic of China, after Tianjin, which was added to our network on 9 December 2022.”
Marek emphasized the significance of this new route. “The introduction of direct flights to Shanghai on 11 January 2025, comes along with the visa-free regime and the recently signed free trade agreement. We are contributing to the further strengthening of economic relations, business, tourism, and cultural ties between Serbia and China.”
Impact on Travel and Trade
The CEO expressed confidence in the positive impact of these new flights: “We are confident that our scheduled flights between the capital of Serbia and Shanghai will facilitate faster business and tourism travel. It means a more efficient exchange of goods and services between our two traditionally friendly countries.”
About Shanghai
Shanghai, located on China’s east coast, holds a strategic position equidistant from Beijing in the north and Guangzhou in the south.
As one of the world’s largest ports and China’s main industrial and commercial center, Shanghai plays a crucial role in the global economy. The city and its surrounding municipality form the most populous urban area in China, with approximately 24 million residents as of 2023.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) will serve as the terminus for Air Serbia’s new route. Located about 30 kilometers east of downtown Shanghai, the airport spans 40 square kilometers along the coast in eastern Pudong. It’s a major air hub for East Asia, having served over 54 million passengers in 2023 alone.
Enhanced Connectivity
The introduction of flights to Shanghai will significantly enhance Air Serbia’s network connectivity. Passengers traveling from eastern China will have convenient connections via Belgrade to numerous European cities.
About Air Serbia
Air Serbia, the national airline of the Republic of Serbia, has a rich history dating back to 1927. The carrier has undergone significant transformations over the years, rebranding as Air Serbia in 2013. Since then, it has been on a path of continuous growth and modernization.
Operating a mixed fleet of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, Air Serbia serves over 60 destinations in Europe, the Mediterranean, North America, and Asia. The airline is known for its commitment to providing high-quality service and connecting Serbia with the world.
Air Serbia’s expansion into the Chinese market is part of its broader strategy. It seeks to strengthen its position as a key player in connecting Europe with Asia. The airline has been investing in new routes, fleet modernization, and service improvements. These measures are aimed to enhance its competitiveness in the global aviation market.
The addition of Shanghai to its network is expected to boost tourism and facilitate business travel. It will also open up new opportunities for trade and cultural exchange between the two countries.
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