Russia's second largest airline Transaero announced Tuesday that it would launch a direct flight between Moscow and Beijing from June 4.
Olga Plyeshakova, general manager of the air carrier, said at a press conference that the direct flight will run twice a week, leaving Moscow on Tuesday and Friday. It will return to Russia from Beijing on Wednesday and Saturday.
The company has chosen the Boeing 747-400 with a passenger capacity of 352 as its aircraft for these flights. They are also scheduled to depart from and land at the Domodedovo airport of Moscow, but perhaps also other airports.
Previously, similar flights were headquartered at another major airport, Sheremetyevo, said Plyeshakova.
"I think the market capacity for air transport between Russia and China is quite huge, and every Russian airline can find its own position," said the general manager.
"Besides, according to the governmental agreement (between Russia and China), each side should have two airlines operating. As for the Russian side, there has only been Aeroflot for a long time, so I believe we have good prospects. (The new airliner) will be of high quality and credibility," she added.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia, Li Hui, who attended the event Tuesday, congratulated the upcoming launching of the new airline.
