The Indian community in Shanghai has welcomed the scheduled commencement of the first Air-India flight to the metropolis on Thursday as a historic event that symbolised the burgeoning all-round relationship between India and China.

The first Air-India flight from Mumbai to Shanghai via Delhi and Bangkok would arrive on Thursday.

"The timing of the start of commercial operations by Air-India was most opportune in view of the burgeoning trade and economic exchanges between the two neighbouring countries," Sujan Chinoy, consul general of India in Shanghai, said.

Chinoy also expressed hope that the launching of Air-India's flight would further promote tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

Air-India's regional director for Far East, Southeast Asia and Australia, V J Casshyap, expressed confidence that Air-India, with it rich traditions and experience spanning more than seven decades, would play an important role in promoting bilateral linkages and co-operation between India and China.

Air-India's manager, China, Vinit Gupte, expressed hope that the country's national carrier, which recently opened its first office in Shanghai, would expand further and become popular with travellers.

The fast-growing Indian community in Shanghai are elated over the scheduled arrival of the Maharaja in the city.