Chinese flag carrier Air China is to launch a new non-stop service from Shanghai to Milan, effective from March 30, 2008.

The new service will operate on an Airbus 340 with newly built premium-cabin services, "Forbidden Pavilion" First Class and "Capital Pavilion" Business Class, and will be offered 4 times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. The outbound flight (CA973) will depart Shanghai at 1:30 am, arriving in Milan at 8:05 am local time. The returning flight (CA974) will leave Milan at 12:30 pm, arriving in Shanghai at 6:00 am the following day.

"The new connection will fly more passengers between Shanghai, the most modern city in Eastern China, and Milan, the famous fashion city in Italy. It will also create many growth potentials and open up a channel for traveling and trading," said Mrs. Zhang Lan, Senior Vice President of Air China. "The upgraded premium-cabin service on the Airbus 340 integrated the typical Chinese elements -- "Forbidden City" and "Capital City" -- featuring spacious seats, various on-board entertainments and catering, aiming to bring a superior on-board experience for European passengers."

Currently, Air China is one of the most frequent airlines on Sino-Europe routes, flying up to 14 flights per week from Beijing or Shanghai to Milan or Rome, two of the most famous tourist cities in Italy. Also, Air China's strategic cooperation with some Italian airlines such as Alitalia, Air One enables passengers to enjoy more convenience by flying with partner airlines to other Italian cities.

At the same time, starting from March 31, 2008, Air China is going to increase the frequency on the Beijing-Paris route and provide two flights everyday during peak times. The updated service will better meet the passengers' needs during the summer.