Korean Air to launch Flights to Urumqi

Korean Air is to launch scheduled services to Urumqi connecting passengers to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in Western China effective June 4, 2005. Korean Air is the first international carrier to begin regular operations to Urumqi.

The airline will fly to Urumqi twice a week from June 4 to September 27, 2005. KE 883/ 884, will depart every Tuesday and Saturday at 8:10 pm from Incheon International Airport and will return departing Urumqi every Wednesday and Sunday at 1:20am. An Airbus A330 aircraft, which can accommodate 296 passengers, will be used on the route.

"The new service will allow us to provide a seamless connection to Western China with its growing business center and rising tourist demand," said Lee Jong-hee, President and Chief Operating Officer of Korean Air. 

Urumqi is the capital city of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is the center of politics and economics in Western China and a major window of exchange between Western China and foreign cities. One of Korea's telecommunication companies also recently announced its plans to construct an operations plant in the city.

"Urumqi is rich in cultural heritage and is a popular tourism destination. The city is also a springboard to other cities in Xinjiang and the inland provinces," Mr. Lee added.

Korean Air is now flying to 14 Chinese cities including Beijing, Jinan, Kunming, Qingdao, Sanya, Shenyang, Yianjin, Wuhan, Xiamen, Yanji, Shanghai, Xian, Yantai and Hong Kong.

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