Key Points:

  • China Eastern Airlines is launching new routes from Hangzhou to Auckland, Singapore, and Sydney, with service from Jinan to Sydney and Singapore also set to commence.

  • Starting from winter 2023-24, Hangzhou will be connected to seven international destinations via China Eastern.

  • The airline's route expansion comes shortly after a new connection between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Istanbul Airport, marking increased collaboration with Turkish Airlines.

China Eastern Airlines is expanding international network.

New Connections from Hangzhou and Jinan Enhance China Eastern's International Network

HANGZHOU — China Eastern Airlines is ramping up its international presence with the inclusion of routes connecting Hangzhou, a major city in China’s Zhejiang province, to Auckland, Singapore, and Sydney. By the winter season of 2023-24, the move will extend Hangzhou's international reach with the airline to seven destinations. The maiden flight from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to Singapore Changi Airport is earmarked for October 29th. With twice-weekly service on an Airbus A320, it is poised to offer competition against Scoot's current five flights per week.

Following this progress, November 5 will see an expansion to New Zealand, as the airline begins its direct twice-weekly flights to Auckland International Airport, operating on Thursdays and Sundays with A330-200 aircraft. The growth in Oceania connectivity doesn't stop there, with a triangular route between Hangzhou, Sydney, and Auckland, launching on November 7, operating on Tuesdays and Saturdays.


Jinan's New International Routes

Jinan, the capital of Shandong province in China, is not being left behind. China Eastern Airlines is setting up routes to both Singapore and Sydney from Shandong as well. The first nonstop flight to Singapore is slated for October 29, with the Sydney connection scheduled for a November 11 kick-off. These routes will utilize Airbus A320s and A330-200s, respectively.


Existing Connections and Recent Collaborations

Currently, China Eastern maintains an active route between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Auckland with daily flights. Additionally, it has an 11-times-weekly service to Sydney's Kingsford Smith Airport from the same hub. There are also existing connections from other Chinese cities to Sydney.

China Eastern Airlines’ most recent international endeavors include the introduction of a thrice-weekly route from Shanghai Pudong to Istanbul Airport. That new addition aligns with the airline's recent partnership agreement with Turkish Airlines, aiming for a more integrated collaboration.