China Eastern Airlines

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Template:Short description Template:Redirect Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox airline Template:Infobox Chinese

China Eastern Airlines (branded as China Eastern) is a major airline in China, headquartered in Changning, Shanghai. It is one of the three major airlines in the country, along with Air China and China Southern Airlines.

China Eastern’s main hubs are Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, both located in Shanghai. In terms of passenger traffic, it is the country's second largest airline after China Southern Airlines. In 2021, its operational revenue was 67,127 million RMB with assets totaling 286,548 million RMB.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> China Eastern (along with its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines) became the 14th member of SkyTeam on June 21, 2011.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

History

China Eastern Airlines was established on June 25, 1988, under the Civil Aviation Administration of China Huadong Administration. In 1997, China Eastern took over the unprofitable China General Aviation and also became the country's first airline to offer shares on the international market. In 1998, it founded China Cargo Airlines in a joint venture with COSCO. In March 2001, it completed the takeover of Great Wall Airlines.<ref name="FI">Template:Cite news</ref> China Yunnan Airlines and China Northwest Airlines merged into China Eastern Airlines in 2003.Template:Citation needed Since 2025, the company slogan is Connecting all the wonders of the world (Template:Lang-zh).<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

File:LIU Shaoyong, Chairman China Eastern Airlines Corporation Ltd. (14005680525).jpg
Liu Shaoyong in 2014

The Chinese government has a majority ownership stake in China Eastern Airlines (61.64%), while some shares are publicly held (H shares, 32.19%); A shares, 6.17%. On April 20, 2006, the media broke the news of a possible sale of up to 20% of its stake to foreign investors, including Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Japan Airlines, with Singapore Airlines confirming that negotiations were underway.<ref>Shanghai DailyTemplate:Dead link</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

After receiving approval from the State Council of China, it was announced that on September 2, 2007, Singapore Airlines and Temasek Holdings (holding company which owns 55% of Singapore Airlines) would jointly acquire shares of China Eastern Airlines.<ref>SIA approved to buy into China Eastern Template:Webarchive Flight Global, August 31, 2007</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On November 9, 2007, investors signed a final agreement to buy a combined 24% stake in China Eastern Airlines: Singapore Airlines would own 15.73% and Temasek Holdings an 8.27% stake in the airline.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Singapore Airlines' pending entry into the Chinese market prompted the Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific to attempt to block the deal by buying a significant stake in China Eastern and voting down the deal together with Air China (which already held an 11% stake in China Eastern) at the shareholders' meeting in December 2007.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:Cite news</ref> However, on September 24, Cathay Pacific announced that it had abandoned these plans.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>

Air China's parent company, state-owned China National Aviation Corporation, announced in January 2008 that it would offer 32% more than Singapore Airlines for the 24% stake in China Eastern, potentially complicating the deal that Singapore Airlines and Temasek had proposed by Beckett Saufley.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> However, minority shareholders declined the offer made by Singapore Airlines. It is thought that this was due to the massive effort made by Air China to buy the 24% stake.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On June 11, 2009, it was announced that China Eastern Airlines would merge with Shanghai Airlines.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The merger of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines was expected to reduce excess competition between the two Shanghai-based carriers while consolidating Shanghai's status as an international aviation hub. In February 2010, the merger was completed.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Shanghai Airlines became a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. However, Shanghai Airlines retained its brand and livery. The new combined airline was expected to have over half of the market share in Shanghai, the financial hub of China.Template:Citation needed China Eastern Airlines also acquired China United Airlines in October 2010.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref>

In March 2012, it was announced that China Eastern was forging a strategic alliance with the Qantas Group to set up Jetstar Hong Kong, a new low cost airline to be based at Hong Kong International Airport, which would commence operations in 2013.<ref name="chinaeast">Template:Cite web</ref> China Eastern would hold a 50% stake in the new airline, with the Qantas Group holding the other 50%, representing a total investment of US$198 million.<ref name="jqhongkong">Template:Cite news</ref> However, in June 2015, the Hong Kong Air Transport Licensing Authority refused to issue an operating license to Jetstar Hong Kong. China Eastern and Qantas subsequently announced the end of the investment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In April 2013, China Eastern received a temporary permit to operate in the Philippines, but the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines required them to obtain a technical permit and an airport slot.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2012, China Eastern was awarded the “Golden Ting Award” at the China Capital Market Annual Conference 2012, recognizing it as one of the 50 most valuable Chinese brands by WPP and ranking in the top ten of FORTUNE China's CSR ranking 2013.Template:Citation needed

On September 9, 2014, China Eastern introduced a new logo and new livery.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In 2015, the airline entered a partnership with Delta Air Lines in which Delta will buy a 3.55% share in China Eastern for $450 million.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In 2017, China Eastern Airlines reported a net profit of CNY6.4 billion ($983 million), up 41% over net income of CNY4.5 billion in 2016.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On February 26, 2020, China Eastern Airlines launched OTT Airlines as a subsidiary to operate domestically produced aircraft, such as the Comac C919 and Comac ARJ21, in the Yangtze Delta region in addition to business jet operations.<ref name="Reuters-launch">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="COMAC-news">Template:Cite news</ref>

Corporate affairs

File:ChinaEasternHQShanghaiAirHQ.jpg
Current headquarters at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, shared with Shanghai Airlines
File:China Eastern Airlines base at PKX (20190925150109).jpg
China Eastern Airlines branch at Beijing Daxing International Airport

The key trends for the China Eastern Airlines Group are (as of the financial year ending 31 December):<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Net profit
(RMB b) 		Number of
employees 		Number of
passengers
(m) 		Passenger
load factor
(%) 		Fleet size References
2013 2.0 68,874 79.0 79.2 478 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2014 3.5 69,849 83.8 79.5 515 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2015 5.0 71,033 93.7 80.5 551 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2016 4.9 75,333 101 81.2 596 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2017 6.8 75,277 110 81.0 637 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2018 2.6 77,005 121 82.2 692 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2019 3.1 81,136 130 82.0 734 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2020 −11.8 81,157 74.6 70.5 734 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2021 −12.2 80,321 79.0 67.7 758 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022 −37.3 80,193 42.5 63.7 778 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2023 −1.91 81,781 115.62 74.42 782 <ref name=annualreport>Template:Cite web</ref>
2024 1.62 85,168 140.57 82.82 804 <ref name="ap24" />

Organizational structure

File:Organizational Structure of China Easter Airline.jpg
Organizational Structure

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Ownership structure

<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Owner Number of shares held Percentage of shares held
1 China Eastern Airlines Group Co. LTD 7567853802 40.1
2 HKSCC NOMINEES LIMITED 4701157885↓ 24.91
3 Shanghai Jidao Hang Enterprise Management Co., LTD 589041096 3.12
4 China Aviation Oil Group Co. LTD 502767895 2.66
5 Delta Air Lines, Inc. 465910000 2.47
6 Shanghai Reed Information Technology Consulting Co. LTD 465838509 2.47
7 China Eastern Financial Holding Co. LTD 457317073 2.42
8 China Securities Finance Co. LTD 429673382 2.28
9 Shanghai Juneyao (Group) Co. LTD 311831909 1.65
10 China State-owned Enterprise Restructuring Fund Co., LTD 273972602 1.45

Cooperation with Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines and China Eastern Airlines formed a partnership in 2010 with a codeshare agreement, expanding in 2011 when China Eastern joined SkyTeam Alliances. They connected 42 city pairs between the U.S. and China and fostered a strong friendship. In 2015, they entered into an equity partnership, with Delta investing $450 million for a 3.55% stake in China Eastern. This led to significant achievements, including an expanded network with over 170 city pairs and the launch of Trans-China baggage check-through service. The partnership has brought numerous benefits to both airlines and their customers.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Airline subsidiaries

In addition to China Eastern Airline's mainline services, the airline also has multiple airline subsidiaries including:

Current
Former

Destinations

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China Eastern Airlines has a strong presence on routes in Asia, North America and Australia. The airline looks to exploit the domestic market potential as it boosts flight frequencies from Shanghai to other Chinese cities. The airline is also accelerating the pace of international expansion by increasing flight frequencies to international destinations. In 2007, it began operations to New York City from Shanghai, making it the longest non-stop route for the airline. In 2016, China Eastern Airlines also launched direct flights from Shanghai to Prague, Amsterdam, Madrid and St. Petersburg.Template:Citation needed

On 13 November 2024, China Eastern Airlines launched a new service route, Shanghai-Madrid-Lima in collaboration with Spain's Air Europa through a codeshare agreement. The agreement marks the debut of China Eastern Airlines in Peru.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Interline agreements

China Eastern Airlines has interline agreements with the following airlines:Template:Citation needed

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Codeshare agreements

China Eastern Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:<ref name="Air Mauritius">Template:Cite web</ref>

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Fleet

Current fleet

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Template:As of, China Eastern Airlines operates the following aircraft. The fleet table includes Boeing aircraft operated by China Eastern Yunnan Airlines and painted in its parent company's livery with only slight modifications.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

China Eastern Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers<ref name="flub">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Notes
F J W Y Total
Airbus A319-100 32 — — 8 — 114 122
Airbus A320-200 140 — — 8 — 150 158
Airbus A320neo 121 17 — 8 18 132 158 Second largest operator.
Airbus A321-200 74 — — 20 — 155 175
12 166 178
170 182
Airbus A321neo 25 43 — 12 — 186 198
Airbus A330-200 30 — — 30 — 202 232 Largest operator.
204 234
24 240 264
18 246
Airbus A330-300 26 — — 38 — 262 300
32 32 230 294
Airbus A350-900 20 — 4<ref name=":2">Template:Cite web</ref> 36 32 216 288
Boeing 737-700 36 — — 8 — 126 134
— 140 140
Boeing 737-800 100 — — 20 — 138 158
12 150 162
8 162 170
18 150 176
Boeing 737 MAX 8 5 — — 8 18 150 176
Boeing 777-300ER 20 — 6 52 — 258 316
Boeing 787-9 5 — 4<ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref> 26 28 227 285 Deliveries through 2024.<ref name="atwonline.com">Template:Cite web</ref>
Comac C909 28 12 — — — 90 90 Deliveries through 2025.
Transferred from OTT Airlines.
Comac C919-100STD 11 94<ref name="reuters">Template:Cite web</ref> — 8 — 156 164 Launch customer.
Order with 15 options.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Deliveries through 2031.<ref name="reuters" />
Total 673 166

Fleet development

China Eastern Airlines was the first Chinese airline to place an order with Airbus. The backbone of its fleet is the A320 family, which is primarily used for domestic flights.Template:Citation needed

In 2005, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline subsequently cancelled its order owing to continuous delays and swapped it for additional Boeing 737 Next Generation aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

On October 18, 2011, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Airbus A330s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

China Eastern Airlines ordered 20 Boeing 777-300ERs and received its first 777-300ER aircraft on September 26, 2014.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

In 2015, the airline acquired a further batch of 15 Airbus A330 aircraft for delivery in 2017 and 2018.<ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>

In April 2016, China Eastern Airlines ordered 20 Airbus A350-900 and 15 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with deliveries commencing in 2018.<ref name="atwonline.com"/>

In May 2021, China Eastern Airlines introduced five A320neos and one ARJ21. At the end of the month, the company operated a total of 738 aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Former fleet

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China Eastern Airlines has previously operated the following aircraft:Template:Citation needed

China Eastern Airlines retired fleet
Aircraft Total Introduced Retired Notes
Airbus A300-600R 10 1989 2015
Airbus A300-600RF 3 1993 2015
Airbus A310-200 3 1988 2006
Airbus A310-300 2 1988 1994
Airbus A318-100 1 2012 2020 Operated for China Eastern Airlines Executive Air.Template:Citation needed
Airbus A340-300 5 1996 2012
Airbus A340-600 5 2003 2015
Boeing 737-200 3 2001 2005
Boeing 737-300 26 1998 2014
Boeing 767-300ER 3 2003 2011 Acquired from China Yunnan Airlines.
Bombardier CRJ-200ER 5 2004 2016 Acquired from China Yunnan Airlines.
All aircraft remained in the Yunnan landscape special livery previously painted by China Yunnan Airlines.
BAe 146-100 6 1986 2009
BAe 146-300 7 2003 2009
Embraer ERJ-135 5 2012 2021 Operated for China Eastern Airlines Executive Air.Template:Citation needed
Embraer ERJ-145 10 2005 2016
Fokker 100 10 1992 1999
McDonnell Douglas MD-11 4 1991 2003
McDonnell Douglas MD-11F 2 1991 2003 Transferred to China Cargo Airlines.
McDonnell Douglas MD-82 16 1988 2007
McDonnell Douglas MD-90-30 9 1997 2010
Short 360 4 1988 1994 <ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Xian MA-60 Template:Unknown Template:Unknown Template:Unknown Acquired from Wuhan Airlines.
Yakovlev Yak-42 Template:Unknown Template:Unknown Template:Unknown Acquired from China General Aviation Corporation.
File:China eastern.jpg
In flight from Kunming to Chongqing

Services

Cabins

First Class

China Eastern offers first class on Airbus A350s and Boeing 777s. A first class seat comes with a flat bed seat, direct aisle access and a sliding door. The plane also comes with a bar for passengers to serve themselves snacks and socialize with others. Middle seats on the Boeing 777s can be turned into a double bed.

Business Plus/Super Premium Suites

The business plus product can be found on all Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s. The suites come with bigger space along with larger suite length compared to the business class seats. The business plus suites also feature a sliding door and a minibar. The middle seats can be turned into a living room with seating for four.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />

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Business class on a Boeing 777-300ER

Business Class

Business class comes in many different versions. On narrow-body aircraft, business class seats are recliners arranged in an 2-2 configuration. On select Airbus A330s, business class seats are either Zodiac Cirrus or Thompson Vantage XL which is in a 1-2-1 configuration, or angled flat beds or fully flat beds arranged in a 2-2-2 configuration. On Airbus A350s and Boeing 787s, business class seats are modified Thompson Vantage XL with doors similar to Delta One suites.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On Boeing 777s, business class seats are Zodiac Cirrus.

Premium Economy Class

Premium Economy class is found on all Airbus A320neos, A350s, Boeing 737 MAXs and Boeing 787s, and select A330-300s and Boeing 737-800s.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Economy Class

China Eastern offers complimentary meal service and select A330s, all A350s, 777s, and 787s have seatback entertainment.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Template:Multiple image

Eastern Miles

China Eastern Airlines's frequent-flyer program is called Eastern Miles (Template:Lang-zh). Shanghai Airlines and China United Airlines, China Eastern subsidiaries, are also parts of the program. Eastern Miles members can earn miles on flights as well as through consumption with China Eastern's credit card. Members can be upgraded to Elite membership in three tiers: Platinum, Gold and Silver, when meet minimum spending requirement (essential), enough miles or flying sectors.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

Cargo

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File:B-2425 (37022913285).jpg
China Cargo Airlines Boeing 747-400ERF

After the merger with Shanghai Airlines, China Eastern Airlines signaled that it would combine the two carriers' cargo subsidiaries as well. The airline's new subsidiary cargo carrier, consisting of the assets of China Cargo Airlines, Great Wall Airlines and Shanghai Airlines Cargo, commenced operations in 2011 from its base in Shanghai, China's largest air cargo market.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> China Eastern Airlines signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Shanghai Airport Group, which controls both Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport. The airline will allocate more capacity to Pudong Airport to open more international routes and boost flight frequencies on existing international and domestic trunk routes.Template:Citation needed

Incidents and accidents

See also

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Notes

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References

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Template:Clear Template:China Eastern Airlines Template:SkyTeam Template:Airlines of the People's Republic of China Template:IATA members Template:Transport in China

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