Shanghai Disney Resort and China Eastern Airlines jointly unveiled a new Zootopia-themed airplane, the Disney Zootopia Express, in Shanghai on May 24.

Wan Qingchao (left), executive vice president of China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd., and Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort, pose for a photo with the new Zootopia-themed airplane outside a hangar in Shanghai, May 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

The airplane, part of an ongoing alliance between the resort and the airline, is the sixth Disney-themed aircraft to join China Eastern Airlines' fleet.

To celebrate the addition of the new aircraft, a special unveiling ceremony was held at a bespoke Zootopia-themed "airport" constructed within a hangar at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Invited guests were offered an exclusive preview of the new Zootopia-themed experience.

During the ceremony, executives from both companies were joined on stage by Zootopia's iconic characters, Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, as well as celebrities, including actress Wu Yanshu and musical actor and singer Ayanga.

"The new themed plane will be an extra touch of magic to passengers' travels as it brings guests to visit Shanghai Disney Resort and experience the wonders of our newest land firsthand," said Joe Schott, president and general manager of Shanghai Disney Resort.

Shanghai Disneyland's Zootopia, the world's first themed land based on the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film of the same name, had its grand opening last December. The resort now hopes to extend the excitement of Zootopia beyond its grounds, inviting people to embark on an adventure to the mammalian metropolis.

This year marks the eighth year of collaboration between the airline company and the resort, noted Wan Qingchao, executive vice president of China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd. "As Mickey Mouse resides in Shanghai, once again cultural exchanges have narrowed the distance of the world and promoted the coexistence and prosperity of Chinese and Western civilizations."

He added, "I believe everyone is here today not only for the plane but also for friendship, and even more so for an airborne cultural ambassador that conveys joy, friendliness, sincerity and trust."

The themed plane features a vibrant exterior with popular characters from the Disney film. Using a custom aircraft decal, the Disney Zootopia Express is China Eastern Airlines' first Disney-themed aircraft to showcase three-dimensional Disney characters. Inside, the magic continues with Zootopia-themed elements and characters appearing throughout the aircraft, from luggage containers tailored for different-sized mammals to tray tables featuring a map of Zootopia.

Veteran actress Wu Yanshu (left) and young musical actor and singer Ayanga interact inside the cabin of the new Zootopia-themed airplane in Shanghai on May 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Shanghai Disney Resort]

After the ceremony, the plane made its maiden voyage from Shanghai to Chengdu, Sichuan province, on the afternoon of May 24. Those wishing to board this or other Disney-themed planes can use the official China Eastern Airlines app to check the schedule and book flights. The app displays all six Disney-themed aircraft, including previous ones themed with Mickey Mouse, Duffy, "Frozen," and "Toy Story," along with their flight routes for the next three days.

Even more surprises await passengers departing from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, including over 30 new Zootopia-themed check-in counters, self-service check-in kiosks, and commemorative boarding passes. Shanghai Disney Resort and China Eastern Airlines have also teamed up to offer a limited-time flight-hotel-park ticket promotional package, available for purchase until June 4.

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