Air China celebrates 40 years of Rome-Beijing flights

Air China celebrated 40 years of connections between Rome and Beijing. The route was inaugurated on June 30, 1986 with the Beijing-Rome flight, operated at the time with the Boeing 747-400, one of the symbolic aircraft of international civil aviation in the eighties.

The connection between the two capitals has represented over the years a strategic axis in relations between Italy and China, facilitating travel, economic exchanges, tourism and cultural relations between two countries linked by a long history of contacts, already started along the ancient trade routes between East and West.

For the 2026 summer season, the operation from Rome Fiumicino provides for about 4,000 weekly departing seats, strengthening the role of the Roman airport in connections between Italy and Asia.

For passengers, the Rome-Beijing route is not only a direct connection to the Chinese capital, but also a gateway to numerous destinations in China, the Far East and Oceania. In fact, many Travellers also choose Air China to continue beyond Beijing, taking advantage of the company's international network.

Connectivity from Italy is also set to be strengthened thanks to the collaboration with ITA Airways and the future entry of the Italian company into Star Alliance, an alliance of which Air China has been a member since 2007. In addition to this, the already consolidated joint venture between Air China and Lufthansa Group, which contributes to expanding the connection possibilities for Travellers.

At Rome Fiumicino Airport, Air China passengers can also take advantage of the Prima Vista and ITA Airways-Star Alliance lounge services, designed to enhance the pre-boarding experience, especially for those traveling in premium classes or having access to the benefits provided by loyalty programs.

On the sustainability front, Air China promotes the use of sustainable aviation fuel, SAF, by participating in collaboration with the Chinese Civil Aviation Administration in pilot programs dedicated to increasing the production and use of these fuels, with the aim of contributing to the reduction of emissions.

The fortieth anniversary of Air China's route to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) also coincides with a favorable time for tourism to China. In fact, the extension of the visa exemption for Italian citizens and other nationalities has been confirmed, a measure that makes it easier to organize leisure and business trips in the country.