Sichuan Airlines (SA) successfully started its Chongqing-Lhasa commercial airline service on Wednesday, offering a new option to reach Tibet. New flight was opened for the convenience of commercial traveling, but other professionals claim the new route was put into use mainly to dive into the rising traveling market of Tibet.

On July 1, the Qinghai-Tibet Railway opened. The railroad has been the subject of numerous media reports since it started operation. The vast tourism resources of Tibet present unimaginable commercial opportunities and the railway will bring more people to Tibet, the rooftop of the world.

According to SA officials, in addition to the scarcity of train tickets, it would take almost 47 hours for travellers to journey from Chongqing to Tibet by railway, but the opening of the Chongqing-Lhasa air route will ease traffic and better meet passenger needs.

SA's Chengdu-Lhasa flight began August 20 last year using flying Airbus A319 aircraft. It is governed through a two-captain management mechanism and has maintained good service records since its inaugural flight. Sources from SA said the new Chongqing-Lhasa flight will strictly maintain high operating standards. The daily flight from Chongqing departs at 11am and arrives in Lhasa at 1:20pm. From Lhasa, the flight leaves at 2:10pm and returns to Chongqing at 4:20pm every day.

Source:  CRIENGLISH.com