‍DALLAS — China Southern Airlines (CZ) has commenced scheduled services between Guangzhou’s Baiyun International Airport (CAN) and Hamad International Airport in Doha (DOH).

The airline launched the new service on April 22, offering four weekly rotations on the route, using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, with a capacity of 203 seats. As one of China's largest airlines, CZ operates around 3,000 daily flights to more than 200 destinations globally, according to The Peninsula. It is the second Chinese carrier operating scheduled flights to DOH, after Xiamen Airlines (MF).

China Southern’s newly introduced service adds to Qatar Airways’ (QR) existing flights to several destinations in China. QR operates scheduled flights to seven Chinese destinations including Beijing (BJS), Shanghai (SHA), Hangzhou (HGH), Chengdu (CTU), Chongqing (CKG), and Xiamen (XMN) as well as CAN. 

Boosting Trade and Tourism

China is one of Qatar’s key trade partners. The launch of CZ’s direct flights is set to increase trade between the two nations.

“China is one of our strategic markets. The commencement of China Southern Airlines flights to Hamad International Airport will bolster trade lines between both countries, cater to the anticipated growth in traffic movement, and offer better connectivity for millions of travelers,” said Sujata Suri, senior vice president of finance and procurement at DOH.

The Qatari flag carrier and CZ announced a codeshare partnership in February this year. Furthermore, the partnership is also set to enhance DOH’s position as a convenient hub for passengers traveling between China and Europe, the Middle East and Africa. 

“This partnership will strengthen our position in becoming the preferred hub to connect China with Europe, the Middle East, and Africa,” Suri added.