Aero Dili starts weekly Dili – Fuzhou flights
By Andrew Curran.
EXCLUSIVE: Aero Dili has started scheduled passenger flights to Fuzhou (FOC). It is the Timor-Leste based airline’s second destination in Mainland China and highlights the deepening economic relationship between Timor-Leste and China.
The inaugural flight, 8G891, departed Dili (DIL) on January 24, landing in Fuzhou later in the evening after almost five and a half hours in the air. The return service, 8G892, pushed back from Fuzhou just before midnight and landed in Dili after daybreak on January 25. Aero Dili’s sole A319-100, 4W-AAO (msn 2825), operated the flights, which will now occur on a weekly basis.
The start of the Fuzhou flights happened with zero pre-publicity, although in October, Aero South Pacific reported that Aero Dili was actively mulling the prospect of adding a new destination to its timetables. At the time, this outlet also reported that talks were then underway between the owner and CEO of Aero Dili, Lourenco de Oliveira, the Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos Horta, and Chinese officials about starting flights to Fuzhou.
On January 26, Aero Dili posted a short update on their Facebook page, acknowledging the start of the Fuzhou flights over the weekend. However, the airline provided little information beyond the flight details and some photos.
China uses aviation to extend influence
In 2024, Aero Dili commenced a weekly round trip between Dili and Xiamen (XMN) that continues to operate and reportedly enjoys decent passenger loads. China is using commercial aviation to establish ties with developing countries in the region, especially developing countries like Timor-Leste that are poorly serviced by international airlines.
Horta views Timor-Leste – China air links as a strategic initiative that will strengthen bi-lateral ties and economic co-operation. He says reliable air links will attract investment, tourists, and improve regional connectivity.
Quite quickly, China has become an important Timor-Leste infrastructure development partner. China has financed several major projects in Timor-Leste, including the Dili's Presidential Palace, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building, the Tibar deep seaport, and the national power grid. In 2025, the two countries signed a USD1 billion investment framework agreement covering sectors such as commerce, tourism, and agriculture.
Aero Dili is a privately owned airline under the control of Lourenco de Oliveira, a mercurial Dili-based businessman who doesn’t talk to foreign media. Aside from the A319-100, Aero Dili operates an A320-200. The airline's network extends from Dili to Denpasar (DPS), Singapore (SIN), Oecussi (OEC), and its two Chinese destinations.
Plans to fly to Darwin (DRW) and Melbourne (MEL) are yet to materialise.
Photos: Aero Dili.
Contact the writer: andrew@aerosouthpacific.com