Alitalia restores direct flights to Beijing

Italy's Alitalia relaunched its direct flights between Beijing and Rome on Tuesday, after a three-year absence, with the airline saying it was bullish on the potential for growth in air travel to China.

"This is a very significant day for Alitalia as we strengthen our presence in the Far East. And let me be very clear: Alitalia is committed totally to the Chinese market and aims to grow its presence in China," said CEO Cramer Ball.

In 2013, Italy's national airline stopped its flights between China and Italy after it suffered losses for some years, and Air China Ltd has been operating direct flights between the two capitals. Two years ago, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways injected 560 million euros ($620 million) into Alitalia and bought a 49 percent stake in the airline.