Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport is expected to become a new gateway to China. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, the first 4F-level airport in East China's Shandong province, welcomed its largest flight - a Boeing Co 747-800 passenger aircraft - on Dec 4.

German carrier Lufthansa aircraft Flight 786 arrives at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport on Dec 4. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

Unveiled in August, the 4F-level international airport, the highest class of airport capable of handling a variety of large aircraft, replaces Qingdao Liuting Airport, which closed on Aug 11 after 39 years of service, as the city's main aviation hub.

The new airport is expected to improve the region's global connectivity and inject fresh impetus to the local economy.

Officials said the airport will be used to promote Qingdao as a gateway to China, particularly in South Korea and Japan, and help achieve its goals of becoming more open and modern.