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China Eastern Airlines has arrived in Adelaide for its new seasonal Shanghai service.
The carrier, one of China’s “big four”, touched down at Adelaide Airport with flight MU781 at 6:47am on Sunday morning, operated by the A350-900 B-32FP. China Eastern will operate three flights per week until August before returning in December.
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“We’re excited to welcome one of China’s largest carriers connecting Adelaide with China’s largest city and one of the biggest and most modern cities in the world,” said Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox.
“This service opens up extraordinary business and tourism opportunities between China and South Australia, while connecting us with the rest of the world through China Eastern’s vast network including cities across Asia, Europe and North America.
“Importantly it is our second direct connection with mainland China with China Southern now flying year-round to Guangzhou, while Cathay Pacific’s seasonal service to Hong Kong is expected to return later this year.”
Bruce Cheng, General Manager (Oceania) for China Eastern Airlines confirmed that the route will continue to be operated by the “flagship” A350-900, which has 286 seats and around 15 tonnes of freight capacity per flight.
“Passengers can enjoy attentive onboard service, complimentary Wi-Fi and seamless connections through our Shanghai hub, and the opportunity to explore China visa-free for up to 30 days by the end of 2026.”
“With the launch of the new route, China Eastern Airlines now serves four destinations across Australia.
“We are proud to strengthen connectivity between China and Australia, serving as an air bridge that promotes trade, business collaboration, and cultural exchange between the two countries.”
Chinese visitors contributed $375 million to the South Australian economy last year, and China is the state’s largest international trading partner, with $3.9 billion worth of merchandise goods exported to China in the year to April 2026.
According to state Tourism Minister Emily Bourke, driving Chinese tourism is “crucially important” for the sector.
“Adelaide’s reputation as a must-visit global destination is growing – this is the thirteenth direct international flight now coming into Adelaide, and April this year was Adelaide Airport’s busiest April on record,” she said.
“With international tourism bringing in $1.8 billion to South Australia’s economy, new flights with China Eastern will only add to South Australia’s appeal.
“We are now just a single flight away from millions of potential new visitors, and we are ready to welcome them here to show off the very best of South Australian hospitality.”
Adelaide has been expanding its China connections, with China Southern upgrading its Adelaide-Guangzhou service to daily while Cathay Pacific continues seasonal Hong Kong flights.
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