The first return flight between the cities of Geneva and Beijing took place on May 7th 2013. An important delegation of Chinese and Swiss representatives from aeronautical, diplomatic, industrial and tourist circles expressed their great satisfaction regarding the prospects opened up by this new direct line. The nonstop service, launched by Air China, one of China’s largest airlines, will be operated four days per week with an Airbus A330-200. Geneva attracted some 575,000 Chinese tourists in 2012, a 30-percent increase over 2011, according to Isabel Rochat, Geneva Councillor of State. Back from China where he signed a twinning agreement between Geneva Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA), Robert Deillon, the Managing Director of Geneva Airport, added that the staff of Geneva Airport have been made aware of the requirements of this new clientele. “We have adapted our facilities and services accordingly, so that we can reserve a personalised welcome for them,” he said.