Officials of Iraqi Airways Company mentioned in Irbil on the 3rd that Iraq will launch a nonstop flight from Baghdad to Guangzhou, a city in southern China.

Iraqi Airways Company deputy director general Zaid al-Sarraf indicated that the state-run Iraqi Airways has authorized the Rafidain Company to operate the weekly flight from Baghdad to Guangzhou. He believes that the flight will strengthen the economic relationship between China and Iraq. At present, Iraqi businessmen have to transfer in Jordan, Turkey or United Arab Emirates during their journey to China.

Sarraf revealed that a return ticket between Baghdad and Guangzhou would cost 1,300 US dollars and a one-way ticket would cost 700 US dollars. He believes that the flight would begin operation soon since 75% of the preparatory work has been completed.