97 passengers departed on first direct Luxembourg-China flight

The China Southern Airbus A350-900 had landed in Luxembourg on Thursday evening, marking the first time a passenger airliner had directly connected a Chinese city, in this case Zhengzhou, directly with Luxembourg.

It is also the first intercontinental passenger flight to Asia for Luxembourg.

With a capacity of 314 seats, the aircraft is the largest passenger airliner Findel Airport has received to date. Nevertheless, only 97 seats were booked for the trip. Passengers in Luxembourg are happy about the connection, which avoids extensive layovers at Amsterdam Schiphol or Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport. "I think it's a great opportunity for me to fly directly from Luxembourg, because it's small and less crowded, so it's very convenient," says passenger Lavender.

147 passengers boarded the first flight to Luxembourg, which touched down with an hour delay at 8pm on Thursday. They were welcomed by the Chinese ambassador to Luxembourg, Hua Ning. The Luxembourg ambassador to China, Roland Reiland, was also onboard the maiden flight. Chinese state television, national newspapers and agencies were present too.

"At the beginning it's not worth it," explains Yong Zhang, president of the Euro-Asie Group. "But I am happy the Chinese have the courage to even begin this. The first three months will be tough for them. But for 2024 we are planning, alongside the ACL, to organise trips to China for 20 groups. We also try to get Chinese tourists to Luxembourg."

Strengthening economic ties despite geopolitical differences

But there is more to the flight than just connecting these two cities for passengers - there are strong economic interests. The connection between both airports has existed for longer, as Cargolux has been flying freight between both cities for nearly a decade. These ties, and the interest of shareholders, will have played a role in opening this route.

"The more cooperation, the more exchanges, the more we understand each other" said Hing. "Only this way we can reduce differences between China and the EU. We're convinced that if we remain in dialogue we can build mutual trust and overcome these geopolitical challenges."

"We have to accept differences in opinion, especially if it's about essential topics like human rights," said Vice Chamber president Mars Di Bartolomeo on the sidelines of a press conference.

Now, a roundtrip is offered every week. Alexander Flassak, CEO of LuxAirport: "At least until March. And then we will we see how the rotations continue. But we're expecting once per week."

The Chinese passengers who arrived in Luxembourg continued their trip by bus to the Trier and Heidelberg Christmas markets, a strong tourist magnet for foreigners coming to Europe.

Watch the video report in Luxembourgish below: