With the launch of new direct flights from the Portuguese capital to Beijing this Tuesday morning, Portugal hopes to strengthen its position as a “large intercontinental hub,” said Portuguese Prime Minister António Costa.

“With the opening of this connection, the size of Portugal is reinforced, which is now a great hub for connecting flights to Brazil and Africa, as a large intercontinental hub,” said Costa. The launching ceremony was attended by Chinese Parliament Speaker Zhang Dejiang, who is visiting Portugal.

António Costa pointed out that direct flights between Lisbon and Beijing will start on July 26. The route will be operated by Beijing Capital Airlines (BCA), the Hainan Airlines group (HNA), which is “indirectly owned by Tap, Portuguese airlines.”