Air China will introduce four weekly direct return flights with a Boeing 757 airliner between Beijing and Phuket, Thailand from November 18.

The move highlights the rapidly growing Chinese demand for international tourism.

Hailed as a gem on the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean, Phuket Island is a tourist-centric destination that draws a crowd with its unique culture, clean air and sophisticated tourism infrastructure. It is best visited from November to April, especially in winter months.

Air China is China's only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member. In addition to commercial operations, it also provides special flight services for the country's state leaders on official visit to other countries.

By a fleet of 290 Airbus and Boeing aircraft (including 280 passenger airliners and 10 freighters), one training plane and six business jets, it runs on 276 routes -- 69 international, 14 regional, and 193 domestic -- serving a total of 137 cities in 30 countries and regions. Air China offers over 6900 flights with over 1.1 million seats every week.