ISTANBUL, June 24 (Xinhua) -- A China Eastern Airlines flight with over 200 passengers landed at Istanbul Airport around 7 a.m. local time (0400 GMT) on Tuesday, signaling the debut of the airline's direct service between Xi'an, located in southwestern China, and Turkey's bustling city of Istanbul.

This new route is the second direct connection established by the airline between China and Turkey, following the previously launched Shanghai-Istanbul service. The Xi'an-Istanbul route will operate three round-trip flights each week on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, utilizing Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft as stated by the Shanghai-based airline.

During the launch ceremony for the inaugural return flight at Istanbul Airport on Tuesday morning, Wu Jian, China's deputy consul general in Istanbul, described the opening of this route as a crucial advancement towards creating a convenient 'air Silk Road' linking the two historic cities.

Wu emphasized that this new route is expected to significantly enhance China-Turkey economic collaboration and cultural exchanges, while also fostering the shared development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Firat Ocak, the aviation development director at Istanbul Airport, highlighted the airport's dedication to the Chinese market and conveyed his optimism that this new service would offer Chinese travelers more efficient transit options to Europe and further destinations through Istanbul.

The introduction of this direct flight route not only strengthens connectivity between western China and Turkey but also acts as a vital link for bilateral cooperation in various sectors, including trade, culture, and tourism, according to Li Ge, general manager of the Istanbul branch of China Eastern Airlines.