A new non-stop route to Shanghai in China from Dublin Airport has started.
The new route from China Eastern Airlines provides Ireland with its first direct connection to China’s largest city.
The new three-times-weekly service will use China Eastern’s Airbus A350-900 aircraft.
Dublin Airport operator daa said the new route will become Dublin Airport’s longest-ever scheduled non-stop service and further strengthens Ireland’s connectivity with one of the world’s most important aviation markets.
China Eastern is a member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance. Headquartered in Shanghai, the airline operates a global network spanning Europe, Asia, Oceania, North America, South America and the Middle East, connecting millions of passengers each year.
Nick Cole, Deputy CEO of daa, said the new route is a significant addition to the airport’s long-haul network and reinforces its commitment to improving connectivity between Ireland and key global markets.
“China is an increasingly important market for tourism, business, education and trade, and this new service will create new opportunities for travellers in both directions while making it easier than ever for visitors from China to experience everything Ireland has to offer,” he added.
Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Easter Airlines, said the new route signifies a new, convenient, and efficient air corridor between China and Ireland.
“Aviation connects cities, carries friendship, and promotes cooperation. China Eastern Airlines is ready to take this new route as a bond to work closer with Irish partners from all fields. We hope that this route across Eurasia will serve as an important bridge, connecting people of two countries,” he added.