The flight FM871 with 237 passengers onboard was welcomed by a conventional water salute while landing at Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport on Jan 19, marking China Eastern Air Holding Co Ltd's Shanghai Airlines becoming the first operator to offer regular flights between East China cosmopolitan Shanghai and Casablanca, Morocco, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

By connecting the two economic centers together, the Shanghai-Casablanca route would promote exchanges and operations between the two countries, as well as enable Chinese travelers to travel more conveniently to the northwestern African country.

Currently, Chinese citizens do not need tourist visas to visit Morocco, and the flight would enrich their traveling options during the upcoming Chinese New Year holiday.

Being the first airliner to conduct flights between Shanghai and Casablanca, Shanghai Airlines has launched flights between the two cities every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The Shanghai-Casablanca flight would be carried out between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport via Marseille, France.

Situated in the western part of the country, Casablanca is the largest city, commercial port and industrial base in Morocco. The romantic city is known as the Lung of Morocco and the Bride of the Atlantic for its unique culture and stunning views of the Atlantic coastline.