(JNS.org) China’s Hainan Airlines started operating a direct Beijing-Tel Aviv route this week, joining the Israeli airline El Al as one of the only two airlines operating an Israel-China route. “We want to be ready with the best aircrews for our flights to Israel, said Li Liang, the general manager of the Hainan offices in Israel, Yedioth Ahronoth reported. “Today Israel is a very important destination for us.” Currently, Hainan will only operate the route three times per week, but eventually the airline expects to include a flight route from Shanghai and Hong Kong through its sister airline Hong Kong Airlines. During the ceremony celebrating the first flight, Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said his office will increase Israel’s annual marketing budget for China from one million to 15 million shekels.