Binter and Air China Seal Strategic Alliance to Connect the Canary Islands with Beijing, Sao Paulo, and Havana
The airline Binter and state carrier Air China have formalized a Special Prorate Agreement (SPA) aimed at significantly improving connectivity between the Canary Islands and key destinations in Asia and the Americas. This alliance, finalized in late 2025, seeks to boost the economic and tourism development of the archipelago by facilitating the arrival of international travelers through more efficient network integration.
Operational Integration and Passenger Benefits
The agreement allows for the connection of Air China routes operating between Beijing, Sao Paulo, or Havana and Madrid, with Binter flights linking the Spanish capital to Gran Canaria and Tenerife North airports.
In this initial phase, Air China will be responsible for marketing these connections through its global network. Key operational advantages for users include:
- Single Booking: Issuance of all flight segments under a single ticket.
- Through Check-in: Passengers can check their luggage through to their final destination without needing to reclaim it in Madrid.
- Seamless Transit: Streamlined connections between Barajas terminals T1 and T2 using the boarding pass of the airline operating the next leg.
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Global Connectivity: Routes and Frequencies
Daily Link with Beijing (China)
The alliance guarantees a daily connection with the Chinese capital. The established schedules are:
- Departure from the Canaries: 07:00, arriving in Madrid at 10:45, with a final touchdown in Beijing at 05:55 the following day.
- Return from Beijing: Departure at 02:00, arriving in Madrid at 08:00, and final landing in the Canaries at 13:50.
Furthermore, it is noted that Spanish citizens benefit from a visa exemption for tourism entry into mainland China (for stays up to 30 days), valid until December 2026.
Connection with Havana (Cuba)
The agreement includes two weekly frequencies, operating on Wednesdays and Saturdays:
- Outbound: Departure from the Canaries at 07:00 and arrival in the Cuban capital at 18:50.
- Inbound: Departure from Cuba at 23:55 and arrival in the archipelago at 22:20 the following day.
Due to fuel shortages in Cuba, the return journey to Madrid includes a technical stop in the Bahamas, which may affect scheduled times.
Route to Sao Paulo (Brazil)
For the Brazilian financial hub, three weekly frequencies have been established (Mondays, Thursdays, and Sundays from the Canaries; Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from Brazil):
- Outbound: Departure from the Canaries at 15:45 and arrival in Sao Paulo at 05:00 the following day.
- Inbound: Departure from Brazil at 09:25 and arrival in the Canaries at 09:05 following the layover in Madrid.
Fleet and Onboard Experience
The travel experience is supported by state-of-the-art aircraft designed for maximum comfort in their respective segments:
| Airline | Aircraft | Key Features |
| Binter | Embraer E195-E2 | Quiet and efficient single-aisle jet; “no middle seat” configuration. Premium onboard service including a gourmet snack. |
| Air China | Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner | Configured with Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins. |
This agreement represents a strategic step toward positioning the Canary Islands as a better-connected hub on the international aviation map, facilitating passenger flow across three continents.
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