China and Russia have opened a new business Boeing 747 flight connecting Europe, China and Russia recently, aiming to promote economic cooperation within the region,according to the Russia Embassy in Beijing.

Igor Rogachev, the Russian ambassador to China, addressed at the celebration for the launching of the flight here Tuesday, saying the event will further enhance the cooperation between China and Russia both in the field of aviation and trade.

Alexey Isaikiu, the president of the flight sponsor, Russia's Volga-Dnepr Group, said the group's cargo transport by Boeing 747 airplanes will double that by charter flights by 2006.

The first business flight took off on April 23 this year in Beijing, passing West Siberia in Russia and arrived Luxembourg. The Group's initial schedule plans to launch four flights each week, two starts from Beijing and two from Shanghai.

In June, more flights will start from Shanghai and another airline from Tianjin, a neighboring city to Beijing, is expected to open, according to the Group.

Source: Xinhua