China Eastern Airlines became the fourth Chinese airline to begin service when it made its first landing at the Dubai International Airport on Monday.  The airline, which is the 131st to begin service to Dubai International Airport, flew from Kunming International Airport in Yunnan province of China.  The carrier will initially fly three times a week on a Boeing 767-300, on the Yunnan-Dubai route, then raise this  to four times a week as demand increases.  

Vice Governor of Yunnan, Li Hanbai, met with Jamal Al  Hai, senior vice-president of Dubai International Airport, after the inaugural flight.  He told reporters “China improved the province to be a bridge between China and the Middle East.”  Jamal Al Hai said China is considered one of the most important destinations and this fourth airline will promote tourism between the two countries.  China is one of the largest trading partners of the UAE with trade between the two countries reaching $14 billion (Dh52 billion).