Binter has formalised a significant new agreement with Air China that will dramatically enhance connectivity between the Canary Islands and several key international destinations served by the Chinese carrier.
The agreement, which is set to come into effect at the end of 2025, will open up a host of new travel possibilities for passengers flying to and from the archipelago. It is expected to provide a substantial boost to tourism and economic development by facilitating a smoother flow of international visitors.
Under the terms of the partnership, the two airlines will link Air China’s routes connecting Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Havana with Madrid, to Binter’s services between the Spanish capital and the airports of Gran Canaria and Tenerife North.
Air China will be responsible for marketing the new connections, integrating them into its worldwide network. This will enable passengers to book combined journeys on a single ticket. The arrangement guarantees a seamless travel experience, allowing travellers to check their luggage through to the final destination without needing to retrieve it in Madrid. Furthermore, passengers transferring between Terminals T1 and T2 at Barajas Airport can do so using the boarding pass issued by the airline operating the subsequent leg of their trip.
Daily Flights to Beijing
The alliance will facilitate daily departures between the Canary Islands and the Chinese capital. Flights will leave the Canary Islands at 7:00 a.m., arriving in Madrid at 10:45 a.m. The connecting flight departs Madrid at 12:55 p.m., landing in Beijing at 5:55 a.m. the following day.
On the return journey, the flight departs Beijing at 2:00 a.m., touching down in Madrid at 8:00 a.m. From there, the connection to the Canary Islands takes off at 11:45 a.m., arriving in the archipelago at 1:50 p.m.
These routes will also benefit from the current visa waiver for Spanish citizens, who can enter mainland China without a visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days until December 2026.
Connections to Havana and Sao Paulo
For travellers heading to Cuba, the agreement permits two weekly connections, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The flight departs the Canary Islands at 7:00 a.m., and from Madrid at 2:45 p.m., landing in the Cuban capital at 6:50 p.m. Air China has noted that due to fuel shortages in Cuba, a technical stop for refuelling is being made in the Bahamas. While this could affect the schedule on the route to Madrid, it does not impact the flight to Havana itself.
From Cuba, the aircraft takes off at 11:55 p.m., landing in Madrid at 3:20 p.m. the following day. The onward flight to the Canary Islands then departs at 8:15 p.m., arriving at 10:20 p.m.
The link to Sao Paulo will also be improved, offering three weekly connections. These are available on Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays from the Canary Islands, and on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from Brazil.
Departing from the Canary Islands at 3:45 p.m., the flight connects in Madrid with the departure at 11:15 p.m., arriving in Sao Paulo at 5:00 a.m. the following day. On the return, the flight leaves the Brazilian financial hub at 9:25 a.m., landing in Madrid at 12:45 a.m. the next day. Passengers then take the 7:00 a.m. Binter flight back to the archipelago, arriving at 9:05 a.m.
Premium Comfort on All Routes
On the sectors operated by Binter, passengers will experience the airline’s signature level of comfort. The carrier’s Embraer E195-E2 aircraft are renowned as the quietest, cleanest, and most efficient single-aisle jets in their class. Their configuration offers greater space between rows and the added comfort of no middle seats. This is complemented by a high-end onboard service, which includes a complimentary gourmet snack and the guarantee that carry-on luggage travels in the cabin.
Meanwhile, Air China operates its long-haul routes with Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring three cabin configurations designed for maximum passenger comfort: Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
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