The first-ever voyage from Shanghai to Athens touched down at Athens International Airport on April 2, heralding the triumphant commencement of the inaugural direct transcontinental link to Shanghai in 2024. This route stands as Juneyao Air’s fourth transcontinental endeavor. This intercontinental journey underscores the company’s commitment to excellence, epitomizing its “HVC” strategy (High-Value Airline), complete execution of its international development blueprint, and enthusiastic engagement in the “Belt and Road” initiative.
“Let me express my sincere gratitude to the government agencies of China and Greece, our partners and customers for their support!” , said Wang Junjin, President of Juneyao Air, adding, “With the support and substantial cooperation of all parties, Juneyao Air’s Shanghai-Athens route, which required four years of preparation, was successfully launched. This is due to the joint effort of the leaders of the two countries, China and Greece, who have continued to promote the strong development of bilateral relations, enhance the results of economic cooperation, uphold mutual understanding and learning, as well as create the “One Belt and One Road”, which provides a solid foundation of trust for us to carry out the Shanghai-Athens route in the long term.”
Flight HO1657, piloted by a Boeing 787 Dreamliner adorned with the enchanting ‘Colorful Petals’ exterior design, embarked from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) at 01:55 AM (local time) on April 2. Nearly 300 passengers were aboard this beloved flight, which gracefully touched down at Athens International Airport (ATH) at 08:30 AM local time after a 12-hour journey. Upon arrival, the flight was honored with the traditional “water arch,” a cherished accolade in aviation circles.
On behalf of Athens International Airport, Communications & Marketing Director Ms. Ioanna Papadopoulou said: “We are excited to welcome our partners and friends of Juneyao Air to Athens for the first time! In a strategically important market such as China, Shanghai has so far recorded the highest traffic rates through connecting destinations in Athens, therefore the launch of the new direct connection for the first time, is one of the most important development developments for our airport, our city and country. On behalf of Athens International Airport, we express our sincere thanks to Juneyao Air for the “vote of confidence” in the Athens market and confirm our firm commitment to continue the close cooperation with the airline, with the aim of contributing substantially to the success of the route . We wholeheartedly wish our airline partner continued, full and safe flights.”
Commencing on April 2, 2024, Juneyao Air’s Shanghai-Athens route will introduce passengers to a direct journey aboard the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, operating three times weekly on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays initially. This marks the inaugural direct flight connecting Shanghai and Athens. Flight HO1657 is set to depart Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 01:55 AM and touch down at Athens International Airport at 08:55 AM local time. The return leg, Flight HO1658, will take off at 13:45 local time, arriving at Shanghai Pudong at 05:05 AM the following day.
Since receiving its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner in October 2018 and initiating the Shanghai-Helsinki transcontinental route in June 2019, Juneyao Air has remained committed to the “Belt and Road” initiative. This commitment is evidenced through strategic development of its international route network, enhancement of operational capabilities and services, and its role as a vital communication link between China and the world.
Presently, alongside the Shanghai-Athens route, Juneyao Air operates four intercontinental routes, linking Shanghai, China’s foremost economic hub, and Henan, a province of significant development potential, to Helsinki, Milan, and Athens. By March 2024, Juneyao Air had conducted over 1,200 intercontinental flights, catering to more than 220,000 passengers.
Furthermore, with the introduction of the new Shanghai-Athens intercontinental route, the “Juneyao Journey” strategy, introduced by Juneyao Group, the parent company of Juneyao Air, aims to seize opportunities in the European market. This strategy prioritizes “air-ground integration,” facilitating the harmonized development of civil aviation, tourism, and cultural institutions, expanding service offerings across various levels, and pioneering China’s first enterprise to combine an airline and automobile industry. The “Juneyao Journey” service range, including “Juneyao Auto” electric vehicles, aims to deliver “door-to-door” convenient travel and services to users across numerous European countries, including Greece. These initiatives aim to provide tangible contributions to the high-level construction of the “Belt and Road” between China and Europe.
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