On July 20, Chinese Ambassador to Ireland Zhao Xiyuan attended the inaugural flight ceremony of China Eastern Airlines' direct flight route between Shanghai and Dublin and delivered an address. Wang Zhiqing, Chairman of China Eastern Airlines; Seán Canney, Minister of State for Transport; Alice Mansergh, CEO of Tourism Ireland; Gary Owens, Chairman of the Dublin Airport Authority; and representatives from various sectors of Irish society and Chinese-funded enterprises attended the event.

Ambassador Zhao stated that the opening of the second direct flight route between China and Ireland is another positive step forward in practical cooperation between the two countries. It will further shorten the distance between the two cities and the two countries, provide more convenient conditions for trade and investment, scientific and technological innovation, educational cooperation, cultural tourism and inject new impetus into the development of China-Ireland relations.

Minister Canney stated that the opening of this direct flight route is another milestone in strengthening connectivity between China and Ireland, making people-to-people exchanges between the two countries more convenient. Nick Cole, Deputy CEO of DAA, said the new route will improve connectivity between Ireland and key global markets, and create new opportunities for travellers in both directions.