The first direct scheduled flight between Tbilisi and Shanghai arrived with a 98% load factor, Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said at an event marking the launch of the new route.
China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest carriers, operated the inaugural flight. The airline will operate direct flights between Tbilisi and Shanghai three times a week — on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
Kvrivishvili described the launch as a milestone for Georgia’s aviation sector and said the new route reflects the growing strategic partnership between Georgia and China.
“This is another important demonstration of what a strategic partnership means in practice. It translates into economic activity, tourism and direct flights, strengthening our country’s economy,” the minister said.
She noted that the Tbilisi-Shanghai route is the longest direct flight currently operating from Georgia’s capital and expressed confidence that flight frequencies could increase in the future if demand remains strong.
The decision to launch the route followed a meeting between Kvrivishvili and China Eastern Airlines executives during her official visit to China in April.
The minister said the nearly full inaugural flight demonstrates strong demand and attributed the result in part to Georgia’s tourism promotion campaign in China. She noted that the government invests GEL 7 million annually to raise Georgia’s profile as a tourist destination in the Chinese market.
The inaugural flight event was attended by Chinese Ambassador Zhou Qian, China Eastern Airlines Vice President He Xiaoxuan, and representatives of Georgia’s aviation and airport sectors.
