TBILISI— Georgia has reached a new milestone in international aviation as China Eastern Airlines (MU) launched the first scheduled nonstop service between Tbilisi International Airport (TBS) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG).
The inaugural flight arrived in the Georgian capital with a reported 98% passenger load factor, underscoring strong market demand for the long-awaited route.
The new three-times-weekly service strengthens air connectivity between Georgia and China while creating new opportunities for tourism, trade, and investment.
Georgian officials described the launch as a major step in expanding the country’s international aviation network and deepening economic cooperation with one of Asia’s largest markets.
China Eastern Shanghai to Tbilisi Flights
The inaugural service was welcomed at Tbilisi International Airport by Georgian government officials, aviation executives, and representatives from China Eastern Airlines.
Speaking during the ceremony, Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvrivishvili called the new connection a historic achievement for the country’s aviation sector, 1TV flagged.
According to the minister, the direct Shanghai route is the result of years of cooperation between Georgian authorities and Chinese partners.
She noted that the launch reflects the growing strategic relationship between the two countries and transforms diplomatic cooperation into practical economic opportunities.
China Eastern will operate the Shanghai–Tbilisi route three times each week on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays.
The service provides travelers with the first regular nonstop air link between Georgia’s capital and China’s financial center, eliminating the need for connecting flights through other regional hubs.
Kvrivishvili also highlighted that the Shanghai service is currently the longest scheduled passenger route operating from Tbilisi.
She said the connection significantly enhances Georgia’s role as an aviation gateway linking Europe and Asia while improving accessibility for both leisure and business travelers.
The minister revealed that discussions regarding the new service accelerated during her official visit to China in April, where she met with senior executives from China Eastern Airlines. Those meetings ultimately led to the agreement that brought the route into operation.
Tourism and Trade Growth Opportunities
The inaugural flight’s reported 98% occupancy was welcomed as an encouraging indicator of passenger demand. Georgian officials believe the strong performance reflects increasing travel interest between the two countries and validates the commercial potential of the new route.
Kvrivishvili credited part of the success to Georgia’s tourism promotion efforts in China.
The government invests approximately GEL 7 million annually through the National Tourism Administration to market Georgia as a destination for Chinese visitors, supporting campaigns that showcase the country’s cultural attractions, natural landscapes, and hospitality.
Officials expect the nonstop service to stimulate inbound tourism while making travel more convenient for Georgian residents visiting China.
The direct connection is also expected to support cargo movement, commercial exchanges, and investment opportunities between businesses in both markets.
The route is viewed as another important step in Georgia’s broader strategy to diversify its international air connectivity and attract new airlines serving long-haul destinations.
Bilateral Connectivity Through Direct Flights
China Eastern Airlines Vice President He Xiaoqun said the new flights received strong support from the governments of both countries and represent more than an aviation expansion, 1tv reported.
He stated that the route would strengthen tourism, business cooperation, and people-to-people exchanges by directly linking Shanghai with Georgia.
He described Shanghai as one of China’s leading economic and financial centers, while emphasizing Georgia’s strategic position between Europe and Asia.
According to He, the airline hopes to serve as a bridge connecting businesses, travelers, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
The launch ceremony was attended by the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Georgia, Zhou Qian, executives from China Eastern Airlines, and senior representatives from Georgia’s aviation and airport sectors, Business Insider reported.
Their presence reflected the importance both countries place on expanding bilateral connectivity through direct air services.
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