China Opens New Air Route to Europe

China has implemented a new route between Europe and Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong that will reduce distances up to 60 miles.

The new route is officially designated as B208, but has been dubbed the Olympic Bypass, because it should facilitate traffic during the period of the Games by eliminating the need for flights to be channeled through Beijing.

"This is especially critical with the Olympics in August," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's director general and CEO. He noted that the change was the result of multiple discussions IATA had with the Chinese authorities since 2006, and added that "the shortened route should reduce CO₂ emissions by about 83 thousand tonnes annually."  Fuel saved is important too, at about 8.5 million gallons per year.  04-18-2008.

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