Air China has launched a non-stop service between Shanghai Pudong and Munich.
The carrier is deploying an A330-200 aircraft in a two-class configuration on the four-times weekly route.
The 251-seat jet contains 36 business seats in a 2-2-2 layout and 215 economy seats configured 2-4-2.
The outbound service departs Shanghai on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays at 0100 and lands in Munich at 0710 local time, while the return leg takes off from Munich at 1235 and arrives in China at 0545 the following day.
Previously, Air China passengers flying from Shanghai to Munich had to transit at Beijing Capital airport. The new direct flight saves two hours in journey time.
The airline reintroduced its London Gatwick to Beijing service in March after suspending the route over the winter period (see news, November 2013).
Last month, it launched a four-times weekly Beijing-Vienna-Barcelona service (see news, March 4).
Graham Smith