The new service will offer travelers from China's largest commercial city a more convenient route when flying to South Africa for business or leisure without a flight transfer.

The Shanghai to Johannesburg flight MU213 will fly with an Airbus A340-300 each Tuesday and Friday with a one-hour stop in the Maldives.

This flight will depart Shanghai Pudong at 23:55 , and arrive at the Maldives at 04:55 the next day, then depart Maldives at 06: 05 and land in Johannesburg at 10:15.

The return flight MU214 will depart Johannesburg at 14:05, and arrive in the Maldives at 00:50 the next day, then depart the Maldives at 02:00 and land in Shanghai Pudong at 12:20.

This flight will be available on Wednesdays and Saturdays ( local time).

Speaking about China Eastern's maiden flight, Moeketsi Mosola, chief executive officer of South African Tourism said, "South African Tourism welcomes the move that will see China Eastern Airlines begin flying between Johannesburg and Shanghai."

"We have worked with our National Department of Transport in developing an airlift strategy aimed at making South Africa even more accessible to foreign markets and we are delighted that our efforts are paying off," he added.

"We recognize the potential of the Chinese market and we are pleased to learn that one of China's foremost airlines has displayed such interest and enthusiasm in encouraging travel between Johannesburg and Shanghai."

"This improved ease of accessibility can only bode well for increased arrivals from China to our unique destination. We wish China Eastern a long and successful association with South Africa, " continued Mosola.