DUSHANBE, February 3, 2016, Asia-Plus – A briefing on opening a direct air communication between the capitals of Tajikistan and China took place on February 1 at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, a 5 star hotel nestled in the heart of Beijing''s diplomatic district of Chaoyang.

The briefing that was held by Ms. Shahlo Abdurahimova, Chargé d''Affaires of the Tajik Embassy U.S. Embassy in Beijing, was reportedly attended by 100 representatives of relevant ministries and agencies of China, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretariat, diplomatic missions and international organizations active in China, state-run and private companies, and tour operators.

An air route connecting Dushanbe and Beijing is expected to be launched in the second half of this month.

Tajik national air carrier, Tajik Air, and China’s Xinjiang Tourism Alliance signed an agreement on launching this air route in October last year.

The first flight is scheduled to be operated on February 21.

It will be once-weekly service – the Dushanbe-Beijing flight will be operated on Mondays.

Tajik Air reportedly acquired a new Boeing 757-200 for operating this flight.