Kvrivishvili: First Tbilisi-Shanghai flight arrives 98% full

The first direct Tbilisi–Shanghai scheduled flight arrived with a 98% load factor, Georgia’s Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili said during the route launch event. China Eastern Airlines, one of China’s largest carriers, operated the inaugural service. The airline will run the direct route three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays. Kvrivishvili called the launch a milestone for Georgia’s aviation sector and said the new link reflects a growing strategic partnership between Georgia and China. She noted that the Tbilisi–Shanghai route is currently the longest direct flight from Georgia’s capital and expressed confidence that frequencies could increase if demand stays strong. The decision followed a meeting between Kvrivishvili and China Eastern executives during her April official visit to China. She attributed the near-full first flight partly to Georgia’s tourism promotion campaign in China and said the government invests GEL 7 million annually. The event was attended by Ambassador Zhou Qian and China Eastern Vice President He Xiaoxuan.