Air China on Sunday launched a direct flight between the Chinese capital of Beijing and tourist hotspot Saipan, located in the Northern Mariana Islands.

 

The carrier will fly from Beijing twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. The non-stop flight takes only six hours, three hours shorter than previous flights. In the past, travelers had to transfer in Shanghai or South Korea.

 

Statistics show the number of Chinese travelers to Saipan is increasing at a steady rate of 15 percent every year.

 

It is perceived that the new flight will help boost the local tourism industry during the upcoming Spring Festival, which falls in mid-February next year.

 

(CRIENGLISH.com December 21, 2006)