China Eastern
A major state-owned Chinese full-service airline based in Shanghai, operating an extensive domestic network alongside regional and long-haul international services.
About China Eastern
China Eastern Airlines is a state-owned scheduled carrier headquartered in Shanghai, China. Established in 1988 following the restructuring of China's civil aviation sector, it operates under China Eastern Air Holding Company. The airline uses the China Eastern name and MU code across a large passenger network, while affiliated carriers and subsidiaries extend the wider group's presence in several parts of the country.
Shanghai is China Eastern's principal hub, with operations divided between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Other important departure points include Kunming, Xian, Beijing and Guangzhou. Its network comprises 1,539 routes serving 198 destinations across 30 countries, combining extensive domestic coverage with services elsewhere in Asia and selected long-haul links to Europe, North America and Oceania.
Aircraft types associated with China Eastern's operating record include the Boeing 787 and Airbus A300-600, A319, A320, A321, A330-200, A330-300, A340-300, A340-600, A380 and A380-800. Equipment can vary substantially by route and schedule. The airline generally offers economy and business class, with premium economy or first-class products available on certain aircraft and long-haul services rather than consistently across the fleet.
China Eastern is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, giving passengers access to connecting itineraries and reciprocal benefits across participating airlines. Its loyalty programme is Eastern Miles, through which members can earn and redeem mileage on eligible China Eastern flights and qualifying partner services. Recognition benefits, lounge access and priority treatment depend on membership tier, fare conditions, operating carrier and the rules applicable to each itinerary.
The airline's principal strength is the breadth of its Chinese network, especially for journeys connecting through Shanghai or continuing to major regional cities. Its scale also produces a wide choice of schedules on important domestic corridors. Travellers should nevertheless allow sensible connection time at large hubs, since terminal changes, immigration procedures, air-traffic restrictions and weather disruption can complicate transfers, while cabin products may differ between aircraft types.
Good to know
Flying with China Eastern — what to expect
Two Shanghai Airports
China Eastern uses both Pudong and Hongqiao in Shanghai. Check the airport code carefully, particularly when connecting between domestic and international flights, because an airport transfer may be required.
Baggage Varies
Carry-on and checked-baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin, fare and operating carrier. Confirm the allowance shown on your ticket before travel, especially on codeshare itineraries.
Allow Connection Time
Shanghai and other major Chinese hubs can involve long walks, security screening and immigration formalities. Build in extra time when transferring, particularly if terminals or airports change.
Aircraft May Change
Cabin layout, seat type and onboard amenities vary across China Eastern's broad aircraft record. Review the scheduled aircraft near departure, while remembering that operational substitutions remain possible.
SkyTeam Benefits
Eligible SkyTeam status holders may receive lounge access, priority check-in or additional baggage benefits. Entitlements depend on status, itinerary and operating carrier, so verify them before arriving at the airport.
Digital Check-In Limits
Online or mobile check-in may not be available for every international route or document type. Passengers needing visa or passport verification should arrive early enough to complete checks at the airport.
Network overview
Where China Eastern flies
China Eastern operates 1,539 routes to 198 destinations across 30 countries, its longest sector reaching New York to Shanghai (11,872 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities China Eastern flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
New York → Shanghai
11,872 km · JFK → PVG
The longest sector in the China Eastern network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by China Eastern
Notable destinations on China Eastern's network.
MUShanghaidirectMUKunmingdirectMUXiandirectMUBeijingdirectMUGuangzhoudirectMUNanjingdirectMUQingdaodirectMUWuhandirectMUChengdudirectMUShenzhendirectMUChangshadirectMUChongqingdirectDestination list is indicative of China Eastern's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from People's Republic of China
Other airlines based in People's Republic of China
FAQ
China Eastern — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Fares are often lower outside major Chinese public holidays and peak summer travel periods. Comparing midweek departures and booking ahead for Lunar New Year, Golden Week or popular international dates can improve the chances of finding a lower fare.
- China Eastern serves a broad domestic Chinese network and international destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. Notable cities include Shanghai, Beijing, Kunming, Xian, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen and New York.
- China Eastern serves 198 destinations across 30 countries. Its network comprises 1,539 routes.
- China Eastern's busiest departure hubs are Shanghai, Kunming, Xian, Beijing and Guangzhou, in that order by number of routes. Shanghai is its principal connecting centre.
- Carry-on limits vary by cabin, route, fare and operating carrier. Check the baggage conditions attached to your booking for the permitted dimensions, weight and number of pieces.
- China Eastern's primary hub is Shanghai, with major operations at both Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. The airport used depends largely on the route and flight schedule.
- China Eastern's longest route is New York to Shanghai, covering about 11,872 km nonstop. Schedules can change seasonally, so confirm current operation before booking.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.