Shenzhen Airlines on Tuesday launched its first flight from Bandar Seri Begawan to Shenzhen, officially opening a new round-trip service between Brunei and south China's Shenzhen.

A grand inaugural ceremony was held at Brunei International Airport to mark the maiden flight, bringing together government officials, diplomatic representatives, aviation industry stakeholders and representatives from Chinese institutions in Brunei to witness the milestone.

The guests of honor included Yang Mulia Dayangku Hajah Mazlizah binti Pengiran Haji Mahalee, deputy permanent secretary (Trade) cum acting permanent secretary (Industry) of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Chen Shaochun, ambassador of the People's Republic of China to Brunei Darussalam; and Yang Mulia Hajah Nur Fariza Munyati Haji Abd Aji, acting deputy director of the Tourism Development Department of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Also in attendance were Shi Rongke, economic and commercial counsellor of the Chinese Embassy, Anthony Lim Tiong Woon, president of Shenzhen Airlines' General Sales Agent (GSA) and Joshua Law, chief commercial officer of Royal Brunei Airlines, among others.

The new round-trip service has officially commenced operations, establishing a convenient air bridge connecting Brunei with China's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and further expanding Shenzhen Airlines' Southeast Asian route network.

The route is expected to boost bilateral trade and investment, cultural exchanges, tourism and people-to-people connectivity, while offering travelers new options for business, sightseeing and family visits.

During the ceremony, all parties extended congratulations on the launch and expressed hope that the aviation link would continue to deepen practical cooperation between China and Brunei across various fields.

Shenzhen Airlines said it remains committed to improving operational efficiency and service quality, supporting friendly exchanges between the two countries, and contributing to regional connectivity and development.