Shanghai Airlines
A Shanghai-based Chinese scheduled carrier and China Eastern Airlines subsidiary, operating an extensive domestic network alongside regional international services.
About Shanghai Airlines
Shanghai Airlines was founded in 1985 and began operations as an independently branded carrier based in Shanghai. It became a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines in 2010, while retaining its own name, FM flight code and distinct visual identity. The airline forms part of the broader China Eastern group and primarily complements its parent’s network from eastern China.
Shanghai is the airline’s principal hub and the center of a network spanning 77 destinations across eight countries and 214 routes. Domestic flying accounts for much of its schedule, linking Shanghai with cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Xian, Kunming, Hangzhou and Dayong. Regional and international services include destinations such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Busan and Phuket.
Aircraft types associated with Shanghai Airlines include Airbus A320, A321 and A330-family jets, together with Boeing 737 and 737-800 aircraft. Boeing 757s and Canadair Regional Jets also appear in its aircraft record, although fleet composition can change over time. Service is generally divided between economy and business cabins, with the precise seating, entertainment and meal provision varying by aircraft and route length.
Through its ownership by China Eastern, Shanghai Airlines participates in the SkyTeam network and offers access to connecting itineraries and reciprocal benefits across eligible partner airlines. Its frequent-flyer programme is Eastern Miles, the loyalty scheme used by China Eastern and affiliated carriers. Members can earn and redeem miles subject to fare class, route and programme rules, with elite benefits depending on membership status.
Shanghai Airlines’ main strength is its access to a broad Chinese domestic network and the extensive connecting system of China Eastern, particularly for journeys through Shanghai. Travellers should nevertheless check which Shanghai airport serves each flight, because the city has major operations at both Pudong and Hongqiao. Product standards can also differ between narrow-body domestic services and longer flights operated by wide-body aircraft.
Good to know
Flying with Shanghai Airlines — what to expect
Check Your Airport
Shanghai Airlines services may use either Pudong International Airport or Hongqiao International Airport. Confirm the airport code before arranging transport or a connection.
Baggage Varies
Checked and cabin baggage allowances depend on the route, fare and operating carrier. Review the allowance shown on your booking rather than assuming all domestic and international tickets use the same rules.
China Eastern Connections
Shanghai Airlines is part of the China Eastern group, so itineraries may include flights marketed or operated by either carrier. Check the operating airline when comparing cabins, baggage terms and check-in arrangements.
Cabin Differences
Aircraft range from narrow-body jets used on many domestic sectors to Airbus A330-family wide-bodies. Seat features, entertainment and meal service therefore vary considerably by route and aircraft.
Loyalty Benefits
Eligible flights can earn Eastern Miles credit, while qualifying elite members may receive benefits across China Eastern and participating SkyTeam airlines. Accrual depends on the booking class and ticket conditions.
Network overview
Where Shanghai Airlines flies
Shanghai Airlines operates 214 routes to 77 destinations across 8 countries, its longest sector reaching Phuket to Shanghai (3,535 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Shanghai Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Phuket → Shanghai
3,535 km · HKT → PVG
The longest sector in the Shanghai Airlines 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 Shanghai Airlines
Tracked Shanghai Airlines routes touch Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan.
PVG - HKGShanghai → Hong Kong1h 56m1,253 kmHKG - PVGHong Kong → Shanghai1h 56m1,253 kmSHA - TSAShanghai → Taipei1h 17m683 kmTSA - SHATaipei → Shanghai1h 17m683 kmSHA - PEKShanghai → Beijing1h 44m1,076 kmPEK - SHABeijing → Shanghai1h 44m1,076 kmKIX - PVGOsaka → Shanghai2h1,307 kmPVG - KIXShanghai → Osaka2h1,307 kmPVG - XIYShanghai → Xian1h 58m1,271 kmXIY - PVGXian → Shanghai1h 58m1,271 kmJHG - KMGJinghong → Kunming0h 58m412 kmCAN - SHAGuangzhou → Shanghai1h 51m1,176 kmSHA - CANShanghai → Guangzhou1h 51m1,176 kmSHA - TAOShanghai → Qingdao1h 9m571 kmTAO - SHAQingdao → Shanghai1h 9m571 kmMore from People's Republic of China
Other airlines based in People's Republic of China
FAQ
Shanghai Airlines — 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
- Shanghai Airlines operates an extensive Chinese domestic network and selected regional and international services. Destinations include Beijing, Guangzhou, Qingdao, Xian, Kunming, Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Busan and Phuket.
- The airline's busiest departure points, ranked by number of routes, are Shanghai, Hong Kong, Guangzhou, Qingdao and Xian. Shanghai is its principal operating base.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices shown.
- Shanghai Airlines' longest route is the nonstop service from Phuket to Shanghai, covering about 3,535 km.
- Shanghai Airlines serves exactly 77 destinations across eight countries and operates 214 routes.
- Fares are often lower outside major Chinese public holidays, school breaks and peak summer travel periods. Comparing several departure dates and booking ahead can help, particularly on busy routes through Shanghai.
- Carry-on limits vary by cabin, fare, route and operating carrier. Check the baggage conditions attached to your ticket for the permitted dimensions, weight and number of pieces.
- Shanghai is Shanghai Airlines' primary hub. Flights may operate from either Shanghai Pudong International Airport or Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, so passengers should verify the airport on their itinerary.