Air China launches direct Shanghai-Athens flight

ATHENS, Dec. 22 (Xinhua) -- Air China launched a new direct flight between China's largest city Shanghai and Greece's Capital Athens on Thursday at Athens International Airport (AIA), the first direct flight between the two cities.

Passengers were welcomed by Air China and AIA officials with balloons, desserts and a mascot during an event at the check-in area.

It is one of two direct flights operated by A