China Eastern Airlines

As one of the “Big Three” state-owned airlines in China, China Eastern Airlines is a leading global carrier known for its commitment to delivering world-class hospitality with a distinctive Eastern charm. Based in the dynamic metropolis of Shanghai, we serve as a vital gateway connecting passengers across China, Asia, and to key destinations across the Americas, Europe, and Oceania. We blend modern aviation efficiency with warm, attentive service to create a truly memorable travel experience.

Our Story: From Regional Carrier to Global Powerhouse

China Eastern Airlines was established on June 25, 1988, as one of the six regional airlines formed from the breakup of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC). Based in Shanghai, its initial focus was on serving domestic routes within China and expanding its regional international network.

The airline quickly grew and in 1997, it became the first Chinese airline to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange, Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and Shanghai Stock Exchange, marking a significant step towards internationalization and market-oriented operations.

A pivotal moment in China Eastern’s expansion came in 2010 with its merger with Shanghai Airlines, consolidating its position as a dominant force in the Yangtze River Delta region. This merger significantly boosted its fleet size and network.

On June 21, 2011, China Eastern Airlines became a full member of the SkyTeam alliance, further enhancing its global reach and offering seamless connectivity to over 1,000 destinations worldwide through a robust network of partner airlines. This alliance membership solidified its status as a major international carrier.

Today, China Eastern Airlines continues to invest heavily in fleet modernization, cabin product enhancements, and digital innovation, striving to be a world-class airline that bridges cultures and facilitates global commerce and tourism. The airline operates with the motto: “World-Class Hospitality with Eastern Charm.”

Leadership and Ownership

China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited is a state-controlled company with the Chinese government holding a majority ownership stake (over 61.64%) through its parent company, China Eastern Air Holding Company Limited. While a significant portion of its shares (A shares and H shares) are publicly traded on the Shanghai, Hong Kong, and New York Stock Exchanges, the government retains ultimate control.

Mr. Wang Zhiqing serves as the Chairman of China Eastern Airlines (since 2023), and Mr. Liu Tiexiang serves as the President (since 2024). They lead the airline’s strategic direction, focusing on operational excellence, financial performance, and expanding its global footprint. The airline’s headquarters are located on the grounds of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.

The China Eastern Air Holding Company Group includes several key subsidiaries that contribute to its comprehensive operations:

  • Shanghai Airlines: A wholly-owned subsidiary that operates domestic and regional international flights.
  • China United Airlines: A wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary.
  • OTT Airlines: A new subsidiary primarily operating Comac C919 aircraft for regional routes.
  • China Cargo Airlines: Its dedicated cargo airline (51% owned).
  • Minor stakes in other airlines such as Sichuan Airlines.

Our Fleet: A Diverse and Modern Collection

China Eastern Airlines operates one of the largest and most diverse fleets in Asia, comprising a mix of Airbus and Boeing aircraft for its passenger operations, alongside dedicated freighters. The airline is committed to ongoing fleet modernization, focusing on fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental performance. The fleet generally includes:

Wide-body Jets (Long-Haul & High-Demand Routes):

  • Airbus A350-900: These new-generation, highly fuel-efficient aircraft are key for long-haul international routes, offering a premium passenger experience with modern cabins.
  • Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: Another cornerstone of its long-haul fleet, known for its advanced technology, passenger comfort features (like lower cabin altitude and higher humidity), and fuel efficiency.
  • Airbus A330-200/300: Versatile wide-body aircraft used for a mix of medium to long-haul international routes.
  • Boeing 777-300ER: Crucial for high-demand, ultra-long-haul international routes, often featuring First Class and Business Class products.

Narrow-body Jets (Domestic & Regional Routes):

  • Airbus A320 Family (A319, A320, A321, and A320neo/A321neo): These aircraft form the backbone of China Eastern’s extensive domestic and regional international network, providing high frequency and connectivity. The A320neo family offers enhanced fuel efficiency.
  • Boeing 737 Family (737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8): Similar to its Airbus narrow-bodies, these aircraft are essential for connecting cities across China and nearby international destinations. The 737 MAX 8 is being progressively reintroduced and expanded.
  • COMAC C919: China Eastern is the launch customer for China’s domestically produced C919 narrow-body jet, integrating it into its fleet for domestic routes.
  • COMAC ARJ21-700: A regional jet also manufactured in China, used for shorter domestic routes, primarily by its subsidiary China United Airlines.

Freighters:

  • Boeing 747-400F: Dedicated large freighters for its cargo operations.
  • Boeing 777F: Modern, efficient freighters used by China Cargo Airlines.

China Eastern’s strategy is to continually integrate the latest aircraft types to maintain a young and competitive fleet.

Connecting the World: Shanghai’s Dual Hub Advantage

China Eastern Airlines leverages a powerful dual-hub strategy in Shanghai:

  • Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): This is China Eastern’s primary international hub, handling the vast majority of its long-haul international flights and connecting passengers to a global network.
  • Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): This serves as China Eastern’s primary domestic hub, connecting Shanghai to hundreds of cities across China, and some regional international routes. Hongqiao’s proximity to downtown Shanghai and its high-speed rail links make it highly convenient for domestic travel.

China Eastern also maintains significant operations and focus cities at other major Chinese airports, including Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), Kunming Changshui International Airport (KMG), and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY), further expanding its reach.

From these hubs, China Eastern Airlines offers an extensive and comprehensive network, serving over 200 destinations globally:

  • Vast Domestic Network: Unmatched connectivity to over 140 cities across mainland China, covering all major provincial capitals, economic centers, and tourist destinations.
  • Extensive Asian Network: Robust connections to nearly every major city in Northeast Asia (e.g., Tokyo, Osaka, Seoul, Busan, Hong Kong, Taipei), Southeast Asia (e.g., Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Manila, Ho Chi Minh City), and South Asia (e.g., Dhaka, Colombo, Delhi, Mumbai, Kathmandu, Male).
  • Strong European Links: Direct services to major European capitals and cities such as London (Heathrow), Paris (CDG), Frankfurt, Madrid, Rome, Amsterdam, Moscow, and new routes to destinations like Istanbul, Milan, and Copenhagen.
  • Significant North American Presence: Direct flights to key cities in the United States (e.g., Los Angeles, New York (JFK), San Francisco, Chicago, Honolulu) and Canada (Vancouver, Toronto).
  • Oceania Connectivity: Direct flights to major Australian cities (Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane) and Auckland, New Zealand.
  • Other International Destinations: Including routes to the Middle East (e.g., Dubai, Doha, Riyadh) and other parts of the world.

China Eastern Airlines offers a range of sophisticated cabin classes: First Class (on select wide-body aircraft, providing an exclusive experience), Business Class (featuring lie-flat seats on long-haul flights and enhanced services), Premium Economy (offering greater comfort and space), and Economy Class, all designed to provide a comfortable and culturally enriching journey.

Your Journey, Your Rewards: Eastern Miles

Eastern Miles is China Eastern Airlines’ frequent flyer program, designed to reward its loyal customers with valuable points and exclusive benefits. As an Eastern Miles member, you can:

  • Earn Eastern Miles Points: Accrue valuable points every time you fly with China Eastern Airlines, its subsidiaries Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines, all SkyTeam alliance member airlines, and a wide network of non-airline partners (including hotels, car rentals, credit cards, and various retail brands). Points are generally earned based on the flight distance (in kilometers) and your booking class.
  • Earn Qualification Points / Segments: These are the criteria used to determine your elite status within the Eastern Miles program.
  • Redeem Eastern Miles Points: Utilize your accumulated points for a variety of rewards, including:
    • Award Tickets: Book complimentary flights on China Eastern Airlines, its subsidiaries, and SkyTeam partner airlines. Eastern Miles is known for allowing one-way redemptions at half the round-trip cost and generally favorable award charts for domestic China flights.
    • Upgrade Awards: Upgrade your cabin class.
    • Baggage Allowance: Redeem points for excess baggage.
    • Online Mall Redemption: Use points to purchase various products and services from the Eastern Miles online store.
    • Hotel & Car Rental Redemption: Use points for partner hotel stays and car rentals.
  • Achieve Elite Status: Progress through the membership tiers – Silver, Gold, and Platinum – to unlock an increasing suite of exclusive privileges:
    • Silver: Offers priority check-in, priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and priority on waiting lists. Corresponds to SkyTeam Elite status.
    • Gold: Provides access to China Eastern and SkyTeam VIP Lounges worldwide (with a companion), priority baggage handling, priority security (at select airports), and higher mileage bonuses. Corresponds to SkyTeam Elite Plus status.
    • Platinum: The highest tier, offering the most exclusive benefits, including guaranteed Economy seat availability (under specific conditions), complimentary upgrades (subject to availability), and the highest mileage bonus. Also corresponds to SkyTeam Elite Plus status, with additional China Eastern-specific perks.
  • Family Membership: Allows family members to link their accounts and pool points for faster accumulation and redemption.