China Eastern Airlines, one of China's largest airlines, has become the 30th airline to begin operations from Velana International Airport (VIA)'s new passenger terminal.

A special ceremony was held at the terminal today to mark the commencement of service for the airline from Terminal 1.

The ceremony was graced by Kong Xianhua, the Ambassador of China to the Maldives.

The ceremony was attended by Li Jia, General Manager of China Eastern Airlines office in the Maldives, Mohamed Faiyaz, Station Manager of Villa Travels, Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, CEO and Managing Director of MACL, along with other senior officials and dignitaries from MACL.

To mark the beginning of China Eastern's service from Terminal 1, the airline's counters were officially opened today, and gifts were presented to the 241 passengers departing on the airline. Additionally, the 227 passengers who arrived in the Maldives on the first China Eastern flight, MU235, which docked near Terminal 1, were given a warm welcome with traditional cultural activities.

China Eastern Airlines, operated by the Chinese government, is recognized as one of China's largest airlines. The airline commenced its flights to the Maldives on April 28, 2007.