The first direct flight linking Central Asia and Shanghai sent 110 passengers to Shanghai Pudong International Airport on Friday morning.
The Kazakhstan's Scat Airlines operated the flight on Thursday, taking off from Shymkent, a regional cultural and economic center of the country.
The Shanghai-Shymkent flight will run every Tuesday and Friday from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and backward from Shymkent on Mondays and Thursdays (local time).
The flight is expected to further enrich Shanghai's international aviation network amid the city's efforts to become an international aviation hub, and create a more convenient air channel for the exchanges and collaboration of economy, trade, tourism, and culture between China and Kazakhstan.
"When we visited Chengdu last time, we had to fly to Beijing and then transfer to Chengdu, costing us 10-12 hours. Now visiting China becomes easier as the new flight from Shymkent opened," said a Kazakh tourist named Ruslan.
"We come to China to Shanghai for traveling. I wanna see new places," said another Kazakh tourist named Ayalumu.
The Scat Airlines is planning to increase the flight from twice per week to once per day, reaching an expected annual passenger flow of 55,000-60,000.
The new route is a latest development of the aviation network constructed by Shanghai Airport (Group) that connects 291 destinations in 48 countries worldwide. Since last year, the group has been actively restoring and expanding its international aviation network to offer more diversified air traveling options.
First direct flight between Shanghai, Central Asia launched
The highly anticipated fashion comedy drama sequel “The Devil Wears Prada 2” held its premiere event in Shanghai on Friday, bringing lead actresses Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway back to China after many years to a rapturous reception from Chinese audiences.
The star-studded premiere reached its peak when Streep and Hathaway stepped onto the red carpet in glamorous ensembles. Hathaway made a special nod to local creators by wearing a gown from a Chinese designer, and shared a lively dance with Streep on the red carpet, drawing non-stop cheers and screams from the crowd.
The event also featured surprise appearances from freeski world champion Eileen Gu and Chinese actress Zhou Ye, which further ramped up the excitement at the venue.
Streep also embraced the moment, joking about her fashion choices, quipping that she has "shoulders for days" despite covering up to the neck in blue silk. Her confidence channeled the commanding presence of her on-screen character, the formidable fashion magazine editor.
Moved by the overwhelming warmth of the Chinese audience, Hathaway was brought to tears on stage. After greeting the audience in Chinese, she expressed that the enduring support from fans in China holds profound significance for her career and personal life.
"I just want to say from the bottom of my heart, since my very first film, 'The Princess Diaries,' China and the Chinese fans have given me so much support. You have embraced me, you have supported my films, and you are so responsible for this beautiful life that I have and that I share with my family. So I just want you to know how much I appreciate you and how much it means to me to be here sharing tonight with you," she said.
The stars' heartfelt moments were matched by the extraordinary dedication of fans, many of whom lined up for hours well in advance of the premiere for a chance to see their idols in person. For many attendees, the long-awaited sequel, arriving two decades after the original film's release, has sparked immense curiosity and eager anticipation.
"I'm really curious about what kind of story will unfold between them," an audience member said.
"I hope it can bring some innovation, or some fresh ideas, on the basis of the first film," said another.
First released in 2006, "The Devil Wears Prada" became a global cultural phenomenon and a beloved classic. Two decades on, the upcoming sequel reunites the original cast and is set to continue its heartfelt exploration of fashion, ambition, and dreams.
The film is scheduled to hit theaters in China on April 30, one day ahead of its North American release.
The Devil Wears Prada 2 premieres in Shanghai with co-stars Hathaway, Streep meeting audience
