Amur Governor Pushes for More Flights Between Blagoveshchensk and Harbin

The governor of Russia’s Amur region, Vasily Orlov, has called for increasing air service between Blagoveshchensk and Harbin and inviting Chinese airlines to join the route. Speaking at a meeting in Harbin on May 19, Orlov said better flight connections are essential for tourism growth.

“In March, we opened a new, modern airport terminal in Blagoveshchensk. I propose we boost the number of flights to Harbin and bring in Chinese carriers,” Orlov said, according to the regional government.

Orlov met with Xu Qin, secretary of the Heilongjiang Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China. The two sides reviewed key areas of bilateral cooperation, noting strong progress in trade, logistics, and cultural projects. Orlov described the relationship between the Amur region and Heilongjiang as dynamic and a model for other areas.

Among the top priorities is launching the Blagoveshchensk–Heihe cable car this year. Orlov also proposed new joint education programs for business leaders from both countries, to be run through the Russia-China Business Cooperation Competence Center in Blagoveshchensk. “We want to combine the strengths of top business schools from both nations to create short, practical courses,” he said.

The officials agreed to boost sports and cultural ties, with plans for a cross-border bridge run, an industrial tourism forum, and a mass fun run in both Blagoveshchensk and Heihe. “Our winter sports festival keeps growing. It’s becoming a signature event for our regions and our friendship,” Orlov noted.

Xu Qin backed the initiatives and suggested deeper collaboration in medicine and science. They also discussed creating special tourism packages tied to the cable car’s launch. Orlov invited Xu to visit the Amur region and see new facilities, including the House of Russia-China Friendship.