Auckland International Airport Limited
(ASX:AIA) has secured the first year-round China Eastern Airlines flight between Auckland and Shanghai.
The upgrade from the seasonal service started on the weekend with four flights a week and will increase to daily flights come January.
The inaugural flight arrived to much fanfare including a water arch by the airports fire fighting vehicles.
The upgraded service will offer new travel marketing opportunities to Chinese visitors and promote trade and co-operation between the two countries.
Auckland Airport reported a net profit of $198 million for the 2015 financial year.
