The airline will be operating thrice-weekly flight on the route. According to the airline, the airfare on the sector starts from Rs35,000 one-way.

The new flight is the latest move in Himalaya Airlines business strategy of network expansion to boost Nepal’s connection with China, which is an important trade partner for Nepal besides being the second largest source market of tourists, the airline said in a press statement.

It said that the airline’s growth in network follows the revised air services agreement between Nepal and China in July, which opened up five new points in China for Nepali airlines for 2019 and three more for 2020.

Zhou Enyong, president of Himalaya Airlines, said the flight would attract more Chinese tourists, especially from North China to Nepal. “This route is expected to bring over 40,000 Chinese passengers a year to Nepal to spend money on travel and, to make investment or have business cooperation here.”

Tourism Minister Yogesh Bhattarai said that connectivity with China would contribute to Nepal’s target to host 500,000 Chinese travellers as part of Visit Nepal 2020 campaign.

Chinese ambassador to Nepal Hou Yanqi stated, “Nepal is an important international tourist destination and it is also the first choice for Chinese tourists among South Asian countries.”

Vijay Shrestha, vice president– administration of Himalaya Airlines, said the addition of Beijing route is part of the carrier’s wider commitment to Visit Nepal campaign to attract more Chinese tourists.

“In the context of Belt and Road Initiative as well, Himalaya aims to open up new avenues for the corporate and industrial sector. We are planning to go to three new destinations: Guiyang, Changsha and Nanchang soon to improve access to the Chinese market.”

The airline operates a fleet of three A320 planes, with scheduled services to Doha, Abu Dhabi, Dammar and Dhaka. Also, the airline has already announced its plan to increase its fleet with the induction of two A319 aircraft by the beginning of 2020.