Samarkand launches new flights to Xi’an

A new direct service to Xi’an, the administrative centre of Shaanxi Province (China), has been launched from Samarkand International Airport. The first flight, operated by Loong Air, landed at Samarkand at 12:08 local time yesterday (Sunday), and was given a traditional water cannon welcome upon arrival on the taxiway. Upon landing, the captain of the Airbus A320 aircraft, together with Lu Hongkun, General Director of Loong Air, Ulugbek Shamsikulov, General Director of Air Marakanda, Dmitry Martynenko. Air Marakanda’s Commercial Director, and Rustam Kobilov, Deputy Khokim of the Samarkand region responsible for tourism, culture, cultural heritage and mass communications, together cut a ribbon to mark the start of the Xi’an-Samarkand- Xi’an service. Shamsikulov said: “The opening of direct flights to Xi’an will have a positive impact on both the cultural and economic development linking our countries, as we begin to build the tourism potential of both cities.” Flights on this route will be operated twice a week, on Wednesdays and Sundays, with an Airbus 320 aircraft designed to carry 174 passengers. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Matt Driskill at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Head of Sales Kay Rolland at [email protected]