Passengers board United Airlines’ inaugural daily flight between Shanghai and Los Angeles at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai on Saturday. Provided to China Daily

The departure area of Pudong Airport’s Terminal 2 was decorated with a miniature of Los Angeles, with a Disneyland photo corner and cheerleaders in Los Angeles Lakers uniforms welcoming passengers.

The first passenger to check in for the flight was presented with a special inaugural certificate by James Mueller, United’s vice-president of Asia and Pacific. A Mickey Mouse plush was also presented to the first passenger by Lin Ping, a representative from California Disneyland. All departing passengers received Mickey Mouse hats and baggage tags sponsored by California Disneyland.

“The launch of the Shanghai–Los Angeles route marks a big step in United’s continued efforts in expanding our industry-leading China–US route network,” Mueller said. “Since United became the first airline to launch non-stop service from China to the US 25 years ago, we have continued to invest in expanding our network to support the growing relationship between our two great countries.”

Mueller said the United Airlines will work closely with its Chinese partners to further expand the corporate business in China.

The inaugural flight, United 878 – operated by a Boeing B777 aircraft – departed from Pudong airport at 8:10 pm. Service from Los Angeles will depart at 1:23 pm and arrive in Shanghai at 5:45 pm the next day.