China Eastern Airlines, the largest airline in China, has started operating from Terminal 1 of Velana International Airport, becoming the 30th airline to do so. A special ceremony marked the launch, attended by the Chinese Ambassador and senior officials from both the airline and VIA. During the event, China Eastern opened its service counters and offered gifts to 241 departing passengers, while 227 arriving passengers were welcomed with traditional cultural applause. The airline is one of the major carriers serving the Maldives and originally began its Maldives operations on 28 April 2007.