With the take-off of flight MU551 from South China's Sanya Phoenix International Airport to London Heathrow at 08:39 am on Friday, China Eastern Airlines became the first Chinese airliner to launch a regular passenger flight from Sanya in Hainan province to Europe since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

By offering convenient and efficient international air traffic network, the flight is tapping into Hainan's development into a free trade port.

The regular flight between Sanya and London, via Shanghai, will be operated once a week, according to China Eastern.

Since opening its Hainan branch in Sept 2021, China Eastern is committed to building a silk road in the air, connecting the world for the Hainan free trade port. The carrier is currently operating 587 flights to or from Hainan per week.