China’s Shandong Airlines launched its first international flight and landed at Singapore Changi Airport this afternoon.

The inaugural flight originated from the capital city of Shandong Province, Jinan, and was led by Mr. Zeng Guoqiang, General Manager cum Chief Pilot of Shandong Airlines. Mr. Zeng, his crew and the passengers were received at Changi by a party led by Mr. Ng Wee Hiong, Deputy Director-General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS).

Shandong Airlines is the fifth Chinese carrier operating to Changi. It is also the fourth new airline to begin operations to Changi Airport this year. The airline’s service here also marks a new link between Singapore and Jinan. In all, there are now eight passenger airlines at Changi flying to 12 cities in China. With the arrival of Shandong Airlines, Changi is served by over 70 airlines operating more than 3,400 flights to 163 cities in 52 countries.

Shandong Airlines will fly twice weekly services between Jinan and Singapore via Shenzhen. The flight arrives in Singapore at 1515 hrs and departs at 1615 hrs to Jinan via Shenzhen every Wednesday and Saturday.

Jinan is Shandong’s political, economic and cultural center and is well known as the "City of Springs". The city has 72 springs including the Baotu, Pearl, Black Tiger and the Five-Dragon Pond springs.

Jinan is also one of China’s most distinguished historical and cultural cities.

(CNTA.com June 8, 2004)