China jumps into growing Cuba market with Beijing flight

Air China has opened a new route for Chinese tourism and influence with a direct flight from Beijing to Havana, with a stopover in Montreal. Service began yesterday, using a 777-300ER.

For Air China, it's an expansion that gives the state-owned carrier routes to all six inhabited continents, and opens a new destination for Chinese tourists and trade, and adds to the airline's direct Canada service as well. The first flight took off after ceremonies and speeches by Chinese and Cuban officials, seen above.

Air China, a Star Alliance member, and its subsidiaries, operate 353 routes, 97 of them international, to 171 cities in 38 countries.