The torch relay kicked off as the Beijing Olympic flame arrived in Almaty on Tuesday.

The torch relay kicked off as the Beijing Olympic flame arrived in Almaty on Tuesday.

The chartered plane for the "Olympic flame" landed at 1:10 pm local time. BOCOG executive vice president Jiang Xiaoyu carried the flame lantern and held it up for display at the airport.

BOCOG executive vice president Jiang Xiaoyu, said, "I'm very excited and happy. The chartered plane will fly over the countries and regions in the five Continents, along with the love for the Olympic Games from Chinese people and the friendship to the people from all over the world."