Asia's second-biggest airline has announced it will run the first-ever direct flights between Adelaide and Shanghai, with the new connections set to open up more opportunities for travellers and local businesses.

China Eastern, with a fleet of nearly 800 aircraft, has committed to operating three flights per week commencing mid-next year.

The new route will connect Adelaide to Shanghai, the world's third-largest city.

"It's one of our top, unserved cities on planet Earth, both for people and for trade," Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox said.

The new route provides South Australian travellers with better access to global destinations, with Shanghai offering connections to European destinations, including London, Portugal, Paris and Moscow, as well as those elsewhere in Asi

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