Air China on Monday launched new direct services linking Beijing and Chengdu, Sichuan province, with Brussels, expanding its European network ahead of China's summer-autumn aviation season switch at the end of March.

The airline held simultaneous inaugural ceremonies at Beijing Capital International Airport and in Chengdu, marking the opening of the two routes as part of its global network optimization.

The Beijing-Brussels service operated its first flight Tuesday, while the Chengdu-Brussels route is scheduled to begin Thursday.

The launch comes as China's aviation sector prepares for the seasonal timetable adjustment, a key period when airlines typically add or restore international routes to meet rising travel demand.

With the two new routes, Air China will serve 23 European destinations, further strengthening links between Asia and Europe. The airline said the added capacity will facilitate passenger travel, business exchanges and cultural ties.

The move follows a strong recovery in civil aviation. During this year's 40-day Spring Festival travel rush, which ended earlier this month, the sector handled record passenger volumes, underscoring robust demand and improving operational capacity.

Officials at the launch ceremony said the new routes will reinforce Beijing and Chengdu's roles as major international aviation hubs and support China's broader push for high-level opening-up.

Brussels, home to key European Union institutions, is widely seen as a strategic gateway for China-Europe connectivity. Adding Chengdu alongside Beijing highlights the growing importance of western China in international air links.

Air China said it will leverage its dual-hub operations and partnerships within the Star Alliance to improve connectivity and offer more efficient travel options.

The airline added it will continue expanding its international network and enhancing service quality to support cross-border mobility and economic engagement.