By Xie Chuanjiao (China Daily-Agencies)
Updated: 2008-01-03 10:33

Air China yesterday postponed until late-March the opening of a new route to Pyongyang, capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), citing operational reasons.

"There are no political reasons, and on Air China's side, preparations are basically complete," Air China spokesman Wang Yongsheng told China Daily, without elaborating.

If plans go according to the new timetable, Beijing-based Air China will become the only foreign carrier to fly to Pyongyang.

Air Koryo, DPRK's national carrier, is the only airline currently offering flights to the capital.

Air China Boeing 737s will be used for the Pyongyang route, Wang said.

Flights are scheduled to leave Beijing at 2 pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, arriving in Pyongyang at 4:45 pm.

The return flights from Pyongyang will be at 5:45 pm on the same days.

Wang said he was confident the route will be profitable for Air China, which recently joined the Star Alliance with Singapore Airlines, Lufthansa and United Airlines.

"Flying to Pyongyang is basically a tourist route," Wang said.

"The main customers will be Chinese as well as international tourists.

"Very few Koreans from DPRK come to China on holiday," he said.