China Eastern

China Eastern Airlines (ICAO: CES) is a prominent Chinese airline headquartered in Shanghai, offering extensive domestic and international air travel. It is recognized as one of China's "Big Three" state-owned carriers.

China Eastern Airlines was established on June 25, 1988, under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) Huadong Administration. It holds the distinction of being the first Chinese airline to be publicly listed on international markets, including New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai stock exchanges. The airline expanded its operations through various mergers and acquisitions, notably taking over China General Aviation in 1997, and later integrating China Yunnan Airlines and China Northwest Airlines in 2003. In 2010, it acquired Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines. Since 2025, its company slogan is "Connecting all the wonders of the world."

The airline operates from its primary hubs at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG). Additionally, China Eastern maintains a dual-hub system in Beijing and Shanghai, with regional hubs in cities like Xi'an and Kunming. As of November 2025, China Eastern operates a modern fleet of over 800 aircraft, with some reports indicating 820 aircraft, making it one of the youngest fleets globally. The fleet primarily consists of Airbus (A319, A320, A320neo, A321, A330 series, A350-900) and Boeing (737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8, 777-300ER, 787-9) aircraft. It is also the global launch customer for the domestically manufactured COMAC C919 and operates COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft through its subsidiary OTT Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines boasts an extensive route network, serving over 1,000 destinations in 160 countries and regions through its own operations and close cooperation with alliance partners. As of November 2025, it serves 148 domestic destinations and 81 international destinations across 41 countries. The airline has a strong focus on routes in Asia, North America, Australia, Europe, and Southeast Asia. Its 2025 winter-spring schedule includes operations to 253 destinations across 39 countries, with approximately 3,130 flights daily. A notable service is the newly launched Shanghai-Auckland-Buenos Aires route, which is one of the world's longest scheduled commercial flights. China Eastern Airlines has been a member of the SkyTeam Alliance since June 21, 2011. The airline offers various cabin classes, including First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class. First Class on its Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s features flat-bed suites with direct aisle access, sliding doors, and a self-service bar, with middle seats on 777s convertible into double beds. Business Class offers flat-bed seats or angled lie-flat seats depending on the aircraft type, with newer Boeing 777-300ERs featuring flat-bed pods. Economy Class cabins provide comfortable seating with adjustable footrests and personal entertainment screens on some flights, with amenity kits provided on overnight or long-haul journeys. In-flight entertainment systems offer a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and audiobooks, and Wi-Fi is available on its wide-bodied fleet. First and Business Class passengers have access to China Eastern's lounges in Shanghai and Los Angeles, and SkyTeam Elite Plus members can access over 750 VIP airport lounges worldwide.