In June 6, an inaugural ceremony for the Guangzhou – London flight of China Southern Airlines was held at London Heathrow Airport. Over 60 people attended the ceremony, including Chairman Si Xianmin and Vice President He Zongkai of China Southern Airlines, Minister-Counsellor Cong Peiwu of the Chinese Embassy in the UK, Mr. Holland-Kaye, Commercial Director of Heathrow Airport, and the representatives of the first group of passengers.

Vice President He said in his speech that this is China’s first direct route from Guangzhou to London and the third non-stop international routes to Europe of the Guangzhou hub of China Southern Airlines. The new route is an important part of the efforts of China Southern Airlines Group in accelerating its strategic transformation, improving its airline network and enhancing the status of the Guangzhou hub.

Minister-Counsellor Cong Peiwu congratulated China Southern Airlines Group on the opening of the direct route between Guangzhou and London on the eve of the London Olympic Games. He said that the new route will further facilitate the people-to-people exchanges between China and the UK.

Mr. Holland-Kaye said in his speech that it was his first task after taking office to invite China Southern Airlines to Heathrow Airport, and now this dream has finally come true. Providing a landing slot for China Southern Airlines is an important measure of Heathrow Airport to increase its links with the market in China.

Then Mr. Si Xianmin, Mr. Cong Peiwu and Mr. Hollandkay inaugurated the check-in counter of China Southern Airlines together.

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China Southern Airlines Group is among the world’s top ten passenger air carrier and one of the three largest aviation companies in China.