China Eastern Airlines announced Wednesday that it will launch a new Beijing-Shanghai-Mumbai flight on April 18, the second direct flight linking China to India. The other goes to Delhi.

The new flight will be set on regular timetable of every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. A300 carriers will be put into operation for the flight.

China Eastern Airlines opened the Beijing-Shanghai-Delhi flight on March 28, 2002. It flies every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday.

Passengers include IT people, immigrants and travelers from India and North America.

Mumbai, the largest city of India, is the rail and air hub of the country's west part, and plays a key role in politics, economy, finance, culture and military affairs of India.

The opening of the new flight is expected to promote trade and boost business and tourism.