China Eastern Airlines will launch direct flights linking Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, on April 28, becoming the first Chinese airline to launch this route, announced the Shanghai-based carrier on March 3.

The Shanghai-Abu Dhabi flight will be operated by China Eastern and Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from Shanghai Pudong International Airport and from Abu Dhabi later on the same day (local time).

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is an important partner in the Belt and Road Initiative. Its free trade zone policies, energy and financial industry resources provide strategic support for Chinese enterprises going global.

The launch of the new direct flight would assist trade exchanges and people-to-people communications between the two areas, as well as create a smoother aviation channel connecting the Yangtze River Delta region with the Gulf region, according to China Eastern.

In the meantime, the new route is also expected to boost tourism in both Shanghai and Abu Dhabi.

Tickets are available for purchase at the official website of China Eastern as well as on the app of the airliner.