China Eastern Airlines is a major Chinese airline operating international and domestic flights. The airline was founded in 1988 and is one of the three major airlines in China. It is based in Shanghai and is a subsidiary of China Eastern Air Holding Company.
History
The airline was founded on June 25, 1988 as China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited and began operating in 1989. The airline was established through the merger of China Yunnan Airlines, a regional airline based in Kunming, and Far East Air Transport, a domestic airline based in Beijing. The airline's initial fleet consisted of two Boeing 737s, two McDonnell Douglas DC-9s, and two McDonnell Douglas DC-10s.
In 1991, China Eastern Airlines became the first Chinese airline to join the SkyTeam alliance, making it the first airline in the world to join an international alliance. In the following years, the airline continued to expand its operations, adding new routes and destinations. In 2012, the airline was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, becoming the first Chinese airline to be publicly traded.
Fleet
The China Eastern fleet currently consists of 243 aircraft, including Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330, A350, and A380 models, as well as Boeing 737, 747, and 787 models. The airline also operates a number of regional aircraft, including the ATR-72, Bombardier CRJ-900, and Embraer 190.
Important Milestones
Some of the important milestones in the history of China Eastern Airlines include:
1. In 1992, the airline launched its first international route, between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
2. In 1999, the airline established a joint venture with Air France and KLM to operate flights between China and Europe.
3. In 2004, the airline became the first Chinese carrier to join the International Air Transport Association.
4. In 2006, the airline launched its first low-cost subsidiary, China United Airlines.
5. In 2008, the airline launched its first international cargo service, between Shanghai and Los Angeles.
6. In 2011, the airline launched its loyalty program, Eastern Miles.
Evolution
Over the years, China Eastern Airlines has evolved from a domestic Chinese airline to a major international carrier. The airline has gradually expanded its operations and now operates flights to more than 180 destinations in over 50 countries. The airline has also added new aircraft to its fleet, including the Airbus A380, making it the first Chinese airline to operate the world’s largest passenger aircraft.
Incidents
There have been a number of incidents involving China Eastern Airlines over the years, including several air crashes. In 2002, a China Eastern Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 crashed into a mountainside near Busan, South Korea, killing all 166 people on board. In 2004, a China Eastern Airlines Airbus A320 crashed into a residential area in Baotou, China, killing 54 people. In 2008, a China Eastern Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 overran a runway at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, resulting in the closure of the airport for several hours.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Transportation fined China Eastern Airlines for violating the U.S. Department of Transportation’s rules regarding the disclosure of ticket prices. The airline was fined $1.5 million for failing to properly disclose the total cost of tickets when purchased through its website.
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