Published on: 2026-07-16
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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Tbilisi, July 16 /Xinhua/ — At around 19:00 local time on Wednesday, flight MU285, departing from Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, successfully landed at Tbilisi International Airport, marking the official launch of direct air service by China Eastern Airlines between Shanghai and Tbilisi.
At the presentation of the new air route held that evening, the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, stated that in recent years relations between Georgia and China have been developing at a rapid pace. He expressed confidence that the opening of direct air communication will make a significant contribution to the further development of bilateral relations.
According to him, Georgia views China as a country that has achieved outstanding success in many areas thanks to a consistent policy focused on peaceful development, modernization, and progress, and it is extremely important for Georgia to strengthen close cooperation with China.
The Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, noted that the opening of the new air route is another result of practical cooperation following the elevation of China-Georgia relations to the level of a comprehensive strategic partnership. According to him, the new air route will significantly facilitate mutual travel of citizens from both countries and create new opportunities for developing cooperation in various fields, including tourism, trade, and investment.
As reported by the Deputy General Director of China Eastern Airlines, He Xiaocun, there were 274 passengers on board the first flight, and the flight duration was about 10 hours. Flights on the Shanghai-Tbilisi route are operated using wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft. Regular flights in both directions are carried out three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. –0–
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