Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –
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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News
Beijing, December 3 (Xinhua) — The introduction of a visa-free regime is boosting the development of air travel between Russia and China. This was stated by Yulia Elrikh, CEO of Siberian Airports LLC, at the opening ceremony of the company's representative office in Beijing, which took place Wednesday as part of the Russia-China forum "New Opportunities for Direct Air Travel."
The event, hosted by the Russian Trade Mission to China, brought together representatives of government agencies, industry associations, and businesses from both countries. Participants discussed the prospects for trade, economic, humanitarian, and regional ties arising from the full restoration and expansion of direct flights.
The central event of the day was the opening of the Beijing office of one of Russia's largest airport groups, which manages more than a quarter of Russia's total passenger traffic.
As Yulia Elrikh emphasized in her welcoming speech, this decision was the result of careful analysis and reflects the company's strategic focus on a direct presence in the dynamic Chinese market.
"Our company's entry into the Chinese market is a new impetus for the development of air travel between Russia and China. It will create new flights, new routes, new jobs in both China and Russia, and thousands of passengers will be able to fly more frequently, more comfortably, and more affordably," she noted.
The presentation placed particular emphasis on the synergy between visa liberalization and the development of air travel. Following China's introduction of a visa-free regime for Russians, a significant increase in travel has been recorded. The decree signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin introducing visa-free travel for Chinese citizens for up to 30 days, based on reciprocity, until September 14, 2026, was described as "good news this week."
The opening of the representative office was presented as a practical implementation of the agreements enshrined in the May 2024 Joint Statement between Russia and China on Deepening Comprehensive Partnership and Strategic Cooperation. In the document, the parties agreed to actively promote the development of air travel, encouraging airlines to increase flight frequency and expand their flight geography.
As Yulia Elrikh stated, the representative office is not just an office, but a strategic choice, relying on which they will be able to develop long-term and mutually beneficial cooperation with their Chinese colleagues. -0-
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