GENEVA, June 19 (Xinhua) -- China Eastern Airlines has launched direct flight between Shanghai and Zurich, Switzerland.
A China Eastern Airlines Airbus A350-900 carrying more than 260 passengers touched down at Zurich Airport at 7:41 a.m. local time (0541 GMT) on Thursday, and departed for Shanghai later in the day with nearly 200 passengers on board, marking the official launch of its direct air route between the two cities.
Coded MU255 and MU256, the Shanghai-Zurich flights will operate three times a week on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The inaugural flight, named "Summer in Shanghai," featured cultural and tourism highlights of the city.
Zurich Airport welcomed the maiden flight with a water salute. China Eastern also held inaugural ceremonies at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Zurich Airport, where passengers received customized aircraft plush toys, commemorative pens and other souvenirs.
The Shanghai-Zurich direct route is China Eastern's second service to Switzerland, following the launch of its Shanghai-Geneva route in 2025. The airline is currently the only Chinese carrier operating direct flights from China to Zurich.
Industry observers said the new route is expected to make travel between China and Switzerland more convenient and help strengthen trade, tourism and cultural exchanges between the two countries. ■
