With some 230 passengers onboard, the direct flight between East China cosmopolitan Shanghai and Venice, Italy officially kicked off its operation on Thursday (September 26) by Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines.

Andrea Zaccaria, who is coming from Italy, is among the first batch of passengers trying the debut flight, and he called the launch of the direct flight a dream to come true. Living not very far from Venice in Italy, Zaccaria said his friends and family can travel much more conveniently with the direct flight.

Operational every Monday, Thursday and Saturday, the Shanghai-Venice flight takes 13 hours flying between the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Venice Marco Polo International Airport, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

"The launch of the direct flight between the two cities will promote people-to-people exchanges, as well as economic and trade ties," said Qin Yun, chairman of the Shanghai Airport (Group) during the launching ceremony held on Wednesday.