Direct flight links North China with Central China

Updated: 2016-09-05

Flights linking Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, with Lanzhou, Gansu province, and Wuhan, Hubei province; were launched on Aug 29, Baotou Daily reported on Sept 2.

The flight leaves Wuhan at 10:50, arriving in Lanzhou at 13:05, and takes off fifty minutes later at 13:55, reaching Baotou at 15:30. The return flight departs Baotou at 16:15, reaching Lanzhou at 17:55, landing in Wuhan at 20:45.

The flight is operated by Ruili Airlines Co Ltd using a Boeing 737-700, and is scheduled to fly once a day. This is the first time Yunnan-based Ruili Airlines has operated flights from Baotou.

Lanzhou, the capital city of Gansu province, is the industrial and economic heartland of Northwest China. It is a transportation hub, alongside Wuhan in Central China, the capital city of Hubei province.

The new flights open more opportunities for cultural exchange between the different provinces. From nomadic Inner Mongolia and the Chu culture of Hubei, to Gansu, one of the birthplaces of ancient Chinese civilization and part of the Silk Road trading route, the new air links bring important parts of China together.

The launch of the direct flights is also expected to spur economic growth in the three cities.

The flights have so far proven a commercial success, with strong ticket sales for the new routes.

Xie Huan, one of the passengers on the first flight leaving Baotou for Wuhan, said that the flight shortens the journey to four hours, which offers much greater convenience for passengers.

Passengers go through a security check at the Baotou Airport. [Photo/Baotou Daily]