China Eastern Airlines
Encyclopedia
China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited ( ) is an airline
headquartered on the grounds of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Changning District
, Shanghai
, China
. It is a major Chinese airline operating international, domestic and regional routes. Its main hubs are at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. China Eastern also has hubs at Kunming Wujiaba International Airport
and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
. China Eastern Airlines is China's second-largest carrier by passenger numbers and the world’s third-biggest carriers by market value. On 16 April 2010, China Eastern Airlines announced an initial agreement to join SkyTeam
. On 21 June 2011, China Eastern, along with is subsidiary Shanghai Airlines
, officially joined the SkyTeam
airline alliance, becoming the 14th member and the second Chinese carrier to join (the other being China Southern Airlines
).
In 2010, China Eastern Airlines carried 64.93 million domestic and international passengers with an average load factor of 78%. The airline reported a net profit of CNY5.3 billion ($807 million) in 2010.
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. It founded China Cargo Airlines
in a joint venture with COSCO
in 1998. In March 2001, it completed the takeover of Great Wall Airlines
. China Yunnan Airlines
and China Northwest Airlines
merged into China Eastern Airlines in 2003.
The Chinese government has a majority ownership stake in China Eastern Airlines (61.64%), while some shares are publicly held (H share
s, 32.19%); A share
s, 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 Airline
and Japan Airlines
, with Singapore Airlines confirming that negotiations were underway.
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. On November 9, 2007, investors signed a final agreement to buy a combined 24% stake in China Eastern Airlines: Singapore Airlines will own 15.73% and Temasek Holdings - 8.27% stake in the airline.
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 holds an 11% stake in China Eastern) at the shareholders' meeting in December 2007. However on September 24 Cathay Pacific announced that it had abandoned such plans.
Air China
's parent company, the China National Aviation Corporation
, a state-owned company, 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. However, minority shareholders declined the offer made by Singapore Airlines. It is thought that this is due to the massive effort made by Air China
to buy the 24% stake.
On 11 June 2009, it was announced that China Eastern Airlines would merge with Shanghai Airlines
. The merger of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines was expected to reduce excess-competition between the two Shanghai-based carriers and to consolidate Shanghai's status as an international aviation hub. In February 2010, the merger was completed. Shanghai Airlines became a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. However, Shanghai Airlines will retain its brand and livery. The new combined airline is expected to have over half of the market share in Shanghai
, the financial hub of China.
, 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
from Shanghai, making it the longest non-stop route
for the airline. On November 22, China Eastern Airlines started a twice-weekly seasonal flights on the Shanghai–Brisbane
route, but these flights didn't continue during 2010/11. Instead, the carrier operated charters to Cairns. In addition, the carrier is planning to launch services to Rome and hopes to open more routes to Europe, US and Australia. The airline is seeking regulatory approval to begin flights to Hawaii
.
. It was the first Chinese carrier
to have ordered from the manufacturer. The backbone of the fleet is the A320 series, which are primarily used for domestic flights. In 2005, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, the airline have cancelled its order owing to the program's continuous delays and switch to Boeing 737 Next Generation
. On 18 October 2011, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Airbus A330
.
China Eastern Airlines's fleet includes the following aircraft (as of August 2011):
, China Eastern's subsidiary
, is also part of the program. Enrollment is free of charge. Eastern Miles members can earn miles on flights as well as through consumption with China Eastern's credit card. When enough miles are collected, members can be upgraded to VIP. VIP membership of Eastern Miles can be divided into two tiers: Golden Card membership and Silver Card membership. VIP membership can enjoy extra privileged services.
, Great Wall Airlines
and Shanghai Airlines Cargo
, will commence operations in 2011 from its base in Shanghai
, China's largest air cargo market. China Eastern Airlines signed a strategic co-operation 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.
, is China's first all-cargo airline operating dedicated freight services using China Eastern Airlines' route structure. The cargo airline carries the same logo of China Eastern Airlines.
Airline
An airline provides air transport services for traveling passengers and freight. Airlines lease or own their aircraft with which to supply these services and may form partnerships or alliances with other airlines for mutual benefit...
headquartered on the grounds of Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport in Changning District
Changning District
Changning District is a district of Shanghai. It has a land area of 37.19 km² and a population of 620,000 as of 2003. The district government is located in 1320 Yuyuan Rd. Zhongshan Park is located in the district....
, Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, China
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
. It is a major Chinese airline operating international, domestic and regional routes. Its main hubs are at Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the primary international airport serving Shanghai, China, and a major aviation hub in Asia. The other major airport in Shanghai, Hongqiao, mainly serves domestic flights...
and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. China Eastern also has hubs at Kunming Wujiaba International Airport
Kunming Wujiaba International Airport
- History :The airport is among the oldest airports in China, with a history that can be traced back over 100 years to the early 1900s, when Wujiaba Airport was first built under the supervision of local warlord, General Tang Jiyao....
and Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
-Transportation:The airport is northwest of Xi'an city centre, and north of the city of Xianyang. Buses and taxis are available between the airport and Xi'an city centre.-Accidents and Incidents:...
. China Eastern Airlines is China's second-largest carrier by passenger numbers and the world’s third-biggest carriers by market value. On 16 April 2010, China Eastern Airlines announced an initial agreement to join SkyTeam
SkyTeam
SkyTeam, branded as SKYTEAM, is an airline alliance with its centralised management team, SkyTeam Central, based at the World Trade Center Schiphol Airport on the grounds of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands...
. On 21 June 2011, China Eastern, along with is subsidiary Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines is an airline headquartered in the Jing'an District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, but its operations remain separate post-merger, retaining its distinct brand and livery....
, officially joined the SkyTeam
SkyTeam
SkyTeam, branded as SKYTEAM, is an airline alliance with its centralised management team, SkyTeam Central, based at the World Trade Center Schiphol Airport on the grounds of Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in Haarlemmermeer, Netherlands...
airline alliance, becoming the 14th member and the second Chinese carrier to join (the other being China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines is an airline headquartered in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, People's Republic of China. It is the world's sixth-largest airline measured by passengers carried, and Asia's largest airline in terms of both fleet size and passengers carried...
).
In 2010, China Eastern Airlines carried 64.93 million domestic and international passengers with an average load factor of 78%. The airline reported a net profit of CNY5.3 billion ($807 million) in 2010.
History and development
The airline was established on 25 June 1988, under the CAACCivil Aviation Administration of China
The Civil Aviation Administration of China , formerly the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China , is the aviation authority under the Ministry of Transport of the People's Republic of China. It oversees civil aviation and investigates aviation accidents and incidents...
Huadong Administration. In 1997, China Eastern took over the unprofitable China General Aviation
China General Aviation
China General Aviation was an airline based in the People's Republic of China. It was based in Nanjing and operated a fleet of 12 Yakovlev Yak-42D and later a few Boeing 737-300 aircraft...
and also became the country's first airline to offer shares on the international market. It founded China Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines sometimes as abbreviated 中货航, is a cargo airline based in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is China's first all-cargo airline operating dedicated freight services using China Eastern Airlines route structure...
in a joint venture with COSCO
COSCO
China Ocean Shipping Company, known as COSCO or COSCO Group, is one of the largest liner shipping companies worldwide. It is a government owned company of the People's Republic of China...
in 1998. In March 2001, it completed the takeover of Great Wall Airlines
Great Wall Airlines
Great Wall Airlines Company Limited is a cargo airline based in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It operates cargo services to Europe, USA and Asia...
. China Yunnan Airlines
China Yunnan Airlines
China Yunnan Airlines was an airline based in Kunming, Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China.-History:The airline was based in Kunming Wujiaba International Airport in Yunnan province and operated a fleet of Bombardier CRJ-200, Boeing 737-300 and Boeing 767-300 aircraft before the merger...
and China Northwest Airlines
China Northwest Airlines
China Northwest Airlines Co., Ltd. was an airline based in the People's Republic of China. It started operations in 1989. In 2002, the airline, along with China Yunnan Airlines merged with China Eastern Airlines....
merged into China Eastern Airlines in 2003.
The Chinese government has a majority ownership stake in China Eastern Airlines (61.64%), while some shares are publicly held (H share
H share
H shares In mainland China, the shares are referred to as H股 H shares, whilst in Hong Kong, they are called 恒生中國企業指數, literally Hang Seng China Enterprises Index. refers to the shares of companies incorporated in mainland China that are traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange...
s, 32.19%); A share
A share (mainland China)
A shares are specialized shares of the [Renmembi]]currency that are purchased and traded on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges.This is contrast to Renmembi B shares which are owned by foreigners who cannot purchase A-shares due to Chinese government restrictions.-See also:* A share * B...
s, 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
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
, Emirates Airline
Emirates Airline
Emirates is the airline based in the Emirate of Dubai part of the United Arab Emirates . Based at Dubai International Airport it is the largest airline in the Middle East, operating over 2,400 flights per week, from its hub at Terminal 3, to 111 cities in 62 countries across six continents...
and Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines
is an airline headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo, Japan. It is the flag carrier of Japan and its main hubs are Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Tokyo International Airport , as well as Nagoya's Chūbu Centrair International Airport and Osaka's Kansai International Airport...
, with Singapore Airlines confirming that negotiations were underway.
After receiving approval from the State Council of China, it was announced that on September 2, 2007, Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines Limited is the flag carrier airline of Singapore. Singapore Airlines operates a hub at Changi Airport and has a strong presence in the Southeast Asia, East Asia, South Asia, and "Kangaroo Route" markets...
and Temasek Holdings
Temasek Holdings
Temasek Holdings is an investment company owned by the government of Singapore. With an international staff of 380 people, it manages a portfolio of about S$193 billion at end of March 2011, focused primarily in Asia...
(holding company which owns 55% of Singapore Airlines) would jointly acquire shares of China Eastern Airlines. On November 9, 2007, investors signed a final agreement to buy a combined 24% stake in China Eastern Airlines: Singapore Airlines will own 15.73% and Temasek Holdings - 8.27% stake in the airline.
Singapore Airlines' pending entry into the Chinese market prompted the Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific
Cathay Pacific is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at Hong Kong International Airport, although the airline's registered office is on the 33rd floor of One Pacific Place...
to attempt to block the deal by buying a significant stake in China Eastern and voting down the deal together with Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
(which already holds an 11% stake in China Eastern) at the shareholders' meeting in December 2007. However on September 24 Cathay Pacific announced that it had abandoned such plans.
Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
's parent company, the China National Aviation Corporation
China National Aviation Corporation
The China National Aviation Corporation , was a major airline in the Republic of China and is currently a state owned aviation holding company in the People's Republic of China, which owns a majority of Air China and Air Macau.-History:In 1929, it was established as China Airways by...
, a state-owned company, 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
Temasek
Temasek was the name of an early city on the site of modern Singapore. From the 14th century, the island has also been known as Singapura, which is derived from Sanskrit and means "Lion City"...
had proposed. However, minority shareholders declined the offer made by Singapore Airlines. It is thought that this is due to the massive effort made by Air China
Air China
Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China is the world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern...
to buy the 24% stake.
On 11 June 2009, it was announced that China Eastern Airlines would merge with Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines is an airline headquartered in the Jing'an District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, but its operations remain separate post-merger, retaining its distinct brand and livery....
. The merger of China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines was expected to reduce excess-competition between the two Shanghai-based carriers and to consolidate Shanghai's status as an international aviation hub. In February 2010, the merger was completed. Shanghai Airlines became a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. However, Shanghai Airlines will retain its brand and livery. The new combined airline is expected to have over half of the market share in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, the financial hub of China.
Destinations
China Eastern Airlines has a strong presence on routes in AsiaAsia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
, North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. 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
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
from Shanghai, making it the longest non-stop route
Non-stop flight
A non-stop flight, especially in the aviation industry, refers to any flight by an aircraft which does not involve any intermediate stops. A "direct flight" is not the same as a "non-stop flight"...
for the airline. On November 22, China Eastern Airlines started a twice-weekly seasonal flights on the Shanghai–Brisbane
Brisbane
Brisbane is the capital and most populous city in the Australian state of Queensland and the third most populous city in Australia. Brisbane's metropolitan area has a population of over 2 million, and the South East Queensland urban conurbation, centred around Brisbane, encompasses a population of...
route, but these flights didn't continue during 2010/11. Instead, the carrier operated charters to Cairns. In addition, the carrier is planning to launch services to Rome and hopes to open more routes to Europe, US and Australia. The airline is seeking regulatory approval to begin flights to Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
.
Codeshare agreements
As of June 2011, China Eastern Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines, beside SkyTeam members:
|
Passenger fleet
China Eastern Airlines is an important customer of AirbusAirbus
Airbus SAS is an aircraft manufacturing subsidiary of EADS, a European aerospace company. Based in Blagnac, France, surburb of Toulouse, and with significant activity across Europe, the company produces around half of the world's jet airliners....
. It was the first Chinese carrier
Common carrier
A common carrier in common-law countries is a person or company that transports goods or people for any person or company and that is responsible for any possible loss of the goods during transport...
to have ordered from the manufacturer. The backbone of the fleet is the A320 series, which are primarily used for domestic flights. In 2005, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Boeing 787 Dreamliners. However, the airline have cancelled its order owing to the program's continuous delays and switch to Boeing 737 Next Generation
Boeing 737 Next Generation
The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners...
. On 18 October 2011, China Eastern Airlines placed an order for 15 Airbus A330
Airbus A330
The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo....
.
China Eastern Airlines's fleet includes the following aircraft (as of August 2011):
| Aircraft | Total | Orders | Passengers | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | J | Y | Total | |||
| Airbus A300-600R Airbus A300 The Airbus A300 is a short- to medium-range widebody jet airliner. Launched in 1972 as the world's first twin-engined widebody, it was the first product of Airbus Industrie, a consortium of European aerospace companies, wholly owned today by EADS... |
— | — | 24 | 250 | ||
| Airbus A319-100 Airbus A320 family The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001... |
— | 8 | 114 | |||
| Airbus A320-200 Airbus A320 family The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001... |
— | 8 | 150 | |||
| Airbus A321-200 Airbus A320 family The Airbus A320 family is a family of short- to medium-range, narrow-body, commercial passenger jet airliners manufactured by Airbus Industrie.Airbus was originally a consortium of European aerospace companies, and is now fully owned by EADS. Airbus's name has been Airbus SAS since 2001... |
— | 20 | 157 | |||
| Airbus A330-200 Airbus A330 The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo.... |
— | 24 | 240 | |||
| Airbus A330-300 Airbus A330 The Airbus A330 is a wide-body twin-engine jet airliner made by Airbus, a division of EADS. Versions of the A330 have a range of and can accommodate up to 335 passengers in a two-class layout or carry of cargo.... |
— | 38 | 260 | |||
| Airbus A340-300 Airbus A340 The Airbus A340 is a long-range four-engine wide-body commercial passenger jet airliner. Developed by Airbus Industrie,A consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. a consortium of European aerospace companies, which is... |
— | 12 | 28 | 247 | ||
| Airbus A340-600 Airbus A340 The Airbus A340 is a long-range four-engine wide-body commercial passenger jet airliner. Developed by Airbus Industrie,A consortium of European aerospace companies, Airbus is now fully owned by EADS and since 2001 has been known as Airbus SAS. a consortium of European aerospace companies, which is... |
— | 8 | 42 | 272 | ||
| Boeing 737-300 Boeing 737 Classic The Boeing 737 Classic is the name given to the -300/-400/-500 series of the Boeing 737 following the introduction of the -600/-700/-800/-900 series. They are short- to medium- range, narrow-body jet airliners produced by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. The Classic series was introduced as the 'new... |
— | — | 8 | 120 | ||
| Boeing 737-700 Boeing 737 Next Generation The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners... |
— | 8 | 126 | |||
| Boeing 737-800 Boeing 737 Next Generation The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners... |
— | 8 | 162 | |||
| Boeing 737NG Boeing 737 Next Generation The Boeing 737 Next Generation, commonly abbreviated as Boeing 737NG, is the name given to the -600/-700/-800/-900 series of the Boeing 737 after the introduction of the -300/-400/-500 Classic series. They are short- to medium-range, narrow-body jet airliners... |
— | — | TBA | TBA | TBA | |
| Bombardier CRJ200 Bombardier CRJ200 The Bombardier CRJ100 and CRJ200 are a family of regional airliner manufactured by Bombardier, and based on the Canadair Challenger business jet.-Development:... |
— | — | — | 50 | ||
| COMAC C919 Comac C919 The Comac C919 is a planned family of 168-190 seat narrow-body airliners to be built by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China .... |
— | TBA | ||||
| Embraer ERJ 145 Embraer ERJ 145 family The Embraer ERJ 145 family is a series of regional jets produced by Embraer, a Brazilian aerospace company. Family members include the ERJ 135 , ERJ 140 , and ERJ 145 , as well as the Legacy business jet and the R-99 family of military aircraft. The ERJ 145 is the largest of the group... |
— | — | — | 50 | ||
| Total | 270 | 227 | ||||
Eastern Miles
China Eastern Airlines's frequent-flyer program is called Eastern Miles . Shanghai AirlinesShanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines is an airline headquartered in the Jing'an District, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, but its operations remain separate post-merger, retaining its distinct brand and livery....
, China Eastern's subsidiary
Subsidiary
A subsidiary company, subsidiary, or daughter company is a company that is completely or partly owned and wholly controlled by another company that owns more than half of the subsidiary's stock. The subsidiary can be a company, corporation, or limited liability company. In some cases it is a...
, is also part of the program. Enrollment is free of charge. Eastern Miles members can earn miles on flights as well as through consumption with China Eastern's credit card. When enough miles are collected, members can be upgraded to VIP. VIP membership of Eastern Miles can be divided into two tiers: Golden Card membership and Silver Card membership. VIP membership can enjoy extra privileged services.
| Tier Level | Benefits | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Gold |
|
180000 Elite Points |
| Silver |
|
100000 Elite Points |
Cargo
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 AirlinesChina Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines sometimes as abbreviated 中货航, is a cargo airline based in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is China's first all-cargo airline operating dedicated freight services using China Eastern Airlines route structure...
, Great Wall Airlines
Great Wall Airlines
Great Wall Airlines Company Limited is a cargo airline based in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It operates cargo services to Europe, USA and Asia...
and Shanghai Airlines Cargo
Shanghai Airlines Cargo
Shanghai Airlines Cargo is a cargo airline based in the People's Republic of China. A joint venture between Shanghai Airlines and EVA Air of the Evergreen Group based in Taiwan, Republic of China, it was established in June 2006.- Destinations :...
, will commence operations in 2011 from its base in Shanghai
Shanghai
Shanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, China's largest air cargo market. China Eastern Airlines signed a strategic co-operation framework agreement with Shanghai Airport Group, which controls both Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport is the primary international airport serving Shanghai, China, and a major aviation hub in Asia. The other major airport in Shanghai, Hongqiao, mainly serves domestic flights...
. 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.
China Cargo Airlines
China Eastern Airlines's cargo subsidiary, China Cargo AirlinesChina Cargo Airlines
China Cargo Airlines sometimes as abbreviated 中货航, is a cargo airline based in Shanghai, People's Republic of China. It is China's first all-cargo airline operating dedicated freight services using China Eastern Airlines route structure...
, is China's first all-cargo airline operating dedicated freight services using China Eastern Airlines' route structure. The cargo airline carries the same logo of China Eastern Airlines.
Incidents and accidents
- On August 15, 1989, a China Eastern flight from ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
to NanchangNanchangNanchang is the capital of Jiangxi Province in southeastern China. It is located in the north-central portion of the province. As it is bounded on the west by the Jiuling Mountains, and on the east by Poyang Lake, it is famous for its scenery, rich history and cultural sites...
, a Y-7Xian Y-7|-External links:* http://www.airforceworld.com/pla/y7-transporter.htm Y-7 Transporter and variations, Chinese* http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/aircraft_detail.cgi?aircraft=Xian+Yunshuji++Y7-100C...
(Reg. ) crashed on take off due to No.2 engine failure, killing 34 of 40 on board. - On April 6, 1993, China Eastern Flight 583China Eastern Flight 583China Eastern Airlines Flight 583 was a China Eastern Airlines flight from Hongqiao Airport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China to Los Angeles International Airport, Los Angeles, California, United States....
, a McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, (Reg. ), from ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
to Los AngelesLos ÁngelesLos Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
, had an inadvertent deployment of the leading edge wing slats while cruising. The aircraft progressed through several violent pitch oscillations and lost 5000 feet (1,524 m) of altitude. Two passengers were killed. - On October 26, 1993, Flight 5398China Eastern Flight 5398China Eastern Airlines Flight 5398 was a McDonnell Douglas MD-82 airliner from Shenzhen's Bao'an International Airport to Fuzhou Changle International Airport in Fujian, China. On October 26, 1993, it crashed on approach to Fuzhou Airport. The aircraft overran the runway while landing in heavy...
from ShenzhenShenzhenShenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
to FuzhouFuzhouFuzhou is the capital and one of the largest cities in Fujian Province, People's Republic of China. Along with the many counties of Ningde, those of Fuzhou are considered to constitute the Mindong linguistic and cultural area....
, a McDonnell-Douglas MD-82 (Reg. ) crashed near Fuzhou airport, after a failed attempt to go around on approach, killing 2 of 80 on board. - On September 11, 1998, China Eastern Flight 586, a McDonnell-Douglas MD-11, flying from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport to Beijing Capital International AirportBeijing Capital International AirportBeijing Capital International Airport, is the main international airport serving Beijing, China. It is located northeast of Beijing's city center in an enclave of Chaoyang District that is surrounded by rural Shunyi District. The airport is owned and operated by the Beijing Capital...
, suffered a nose gear failure after take-off. The aircraft landed back in Shanghai with the nose gear up on a foamed runway. A clip from the landing is available online. - On November 21, 2004, Flight 5210China Eastern Flight 5210China Eastern Airlines Flight 5210 was a flight from Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China to Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Shanghai, China. On November 21, 2004 it crashed into a park shortly after take off, killing all 53 passengers on board and two more people on the ground.The aircraft took...
from BaotouBaotouBaotou is a mid-sized industrial city in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China. Governed as a prefecture-level city, its urban areas are home to a population of approximately 1.78 million, with a total population of over 2.65 million accounting for counties under...
to ShanghaiShanghaiShanghai is the largest city by population in China and the largest city proper in the world. It is one of the four province-level municipalities in the People's Republic of China, with a total population of over 23 million as of 2010...
, a Bombardier CRJ-200Bombardier Canadair Regional JetThe Bombardier CRJ is a family of regional airliners manufactured by Bombardier:* CRJ100 - 50 seats* CRJ200 - 50 seats* CRJ700 - 70 seats* CRJ705 - 75 seats* CRJ900 - 90 seats* CRJ1000 - 100 seats...
(Reg. ) small passenger jet crashed in Inner MongoliaInner MongoliaInner Mongolia is an autonomous region of the People's Republic of China, located in the northern region of the country. Inner Mongolia shares an international border with the countries of Mongolia and the Russian Federation...
one minute after departure, killing all 53 occupants. - In March 2008, pilots of 21 CEA flights returned their aircraft to the airport of departure, citing various reasons for doing so, as part of a union contract dispute. In retaliation, the government removed the carrier's rights to a range of services in the southern China province of YunnanYunnanYunnan is a province of the People's Republic of China, located in the far southwest of the country spanning approximately and with a population of 45.7 million . The capital of the province is Kunming. The province borders Burma, Laos, and Vietnam.Yunnan is situated in a mountainous area, with...
. In late October 2008, Chinese media reports indicated that the carrier would shortly be able to resume flights to KunmingKunming' is the capital and largest city of Yunnan Province in Southwest China. It was known as Yunnan-Fou until the 1920s. A prefecture-level city, it is the political, economic, communications and cultural centre of Yunnan, and is the seat of the provincial government...
, Xishuangbanna and Dali.
In popular culture
- A movie named "Crash Landing" was made by Shanghai Film StudioShanghai Film StudioShanghai Film Studio is the film division of the Shanghai Film Group Corporation in Shanghai, China. It is responsible for the production of Chinese films and TV programs.-History:...
based on the incident of China Eastern Flight 586. The airline name was eliminated, but the livery of the aircraft is recognizable. - China Eastern Airlines appears frequently on the Japanese air traffic control video game Air Traffic Controller (video game)Air Traffic Controller (video game)is a simulation computer game series that simulates the operation of an airport developed by TechnoBrain. The games simulate the job of an air traffic controller. The player's mission is to direct planes onto the correct ILS, land them on the runway, taxi them to the correct gate, and to direct...
See also
- Aviation industry in the People's Republic of China
- List of airlines of the People's Republic of China
- List of airports in the People's Republic of China
- List of companies of the People's Republic of China
- Transportation in the People's Republic of ChinaTransportation in the People's Republic of ChinaTransport in the People's Republic of China has experienced major growth and expansion in recent years. Airports, roads, and railway construction will provide a massive employment boost in China over the next decade....