Zhong Guo Min Hang Wang·2025-07-05 07:31Core Viewpoint - China Eastern Airlines has officially launched a direct flight route from Shanghai to Almaty, Kazakhstan, enhancing connectivity and promoting cultural and economic exchanges between the two cities [1][6]. Group 1: Flight Details - The inaugural flight MU6041 took off from Shanghai Pudong International Airport on July 4, 2025, carrying 164 passengers [1]. - The round-trip flight numbers are MU6041/MU6042, operating every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday [6]. - The outbound flight departs Shanghai at 16:05 Beijing time and arrives in Almaty at 19:35 local time, while the return flight leaves Almaty at 20:50 local time and arrives in Shanghai at 06:05 the next day [6]. Group 2: Cultural and Economic Significance - The launch of this route is expected to enhance the travel experience for passengers, as evidenced by the distribution of the "Shanghai Pass" card, which offers various payment functionalities in Shanghai [6]. - China is Kazakhstan's largest trading partner, and the economic ties between the two countries are growing stronger [6]. - Almaty, as Kazakhstan's largest city, serves as a key economic, financial, cultural, educational, and transportation hub, boasting rich tourism resources [6]. - The cities of Shanghai and Almaty have officially established a friendship city relationship during the second China-Central Asia Summit held from June 16 to 18, 2025 [6].