New direct flights launched between Amsterdam and China
China Southern Airlines (CZ), the largest airline in The People's Republic of China (PRC), celebrated the inauguration of its new direct air service between Amsterdam Airport Schiphol and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport on 8 June 2011. The new direct flights between Guangzhou and Amsterdam will occur three times a week, taking the total amount of flights to Amsterdam to 10 per week.
Strengthening ties
Executive Vice President and COO of China Southern Airlines, Mr. Zhang Zifang, who arrived in Amsterdam on the first inaugural Guangzhou to Amsterdam flight on 8 June 2011, expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
He went on to express his confidence that “the implementation of this new non-stop flight service between Guangzhou and Amsterdam will surely strengthen ties between China and the Netherlands, as well as stimulate the economic and trade co-operation between Southern China and Europe.”
Mr. Jos Nijhuis, President and CEO of Schiphol Group, welcomed China Southern Airlines’ new flight service by agreeing with Mr. Zhang Zifang that “with this direct service two major hub airports will be connected to each other directly, and it will strengthen the strong economic relations between both our countries.”
Celebration banquet
On the evening of 8 June 2011, China Southern hosted a celebratory banquet at the InterContinental Amstel Hotel Amsterdam, welcoming distinguished guests and dignitaries from the Dutch government, aviation and tourism industries.
Sino-Dutch relationship
Focal points of the evening included the friendship, bilateral relationships and strong partnerships between the two countries. Mr. Zhang Jun, Chinese Ambassador to the Netherlands, stated that the Sino-Dutch relationship is currently quite strong and that “only through contacts of the two peoples can China and the Netherlands increase understanding and mutual trust."
"China Southern Airlines and KLM both shoulder great responsibility in this respect. I hope that the new flight can bring closer the distance between the two peoples, and hence promote further the bilateral relationship.”
Connected city
Mr. Eberhard van der Laan, Mayor of Amsterdam, had the opportunity to meet with KLM’s strong and reliable partner, and thanked China Southern Airlines for choosing Amsterdam as their main European hub, stressing that “Amsterdam now has more direct flight connections with different Chinese cities than any other city in Europe. This is something to be proud of.”
Furthermore, he stated that “I have learned that in China all successful business is based on friendship. I believe the same thing is true in the Netherlands and especially in Amsterdam.” He offered his friendship and that of the City of Amsterdam and its people.
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