The maiden Shanghai-Sydney flight operated by Shanghai-based airliner Juneyao Airlines landed at the Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport in Australia on Dec 17, welcomed with a conventional water salute.

"The Shanghai-Sydney route is Juneyao Airlines' seventh intercontinental route, as well as the first in the Oceania market. We sincerely hope that this new aviation route connecting China and Australia will create more opportunities for boosting exchanges between the two countries, as well as economic and people-to-people exchanges between Europe and Australia via Shanghai, and contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative," said Wang Junjin, president of JuneYao Group's Juneyao Airlines during a ceremony to celebrate the new flight.

"We firmly believe that the launch of the new route will not only promote people-to-people exchanges and trade between the two countries but will also bring more opportunities and vitality to Shanghai as an international financial hub and contribute to Shanghai's growing influence in international finance."

The Shanghai-Sydney route will initially operate flights four times per week, with plans to operate flights on a daily basis starting from Jan 14, 2025, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.