When China Eastern Airlines flight MU269, carrying 201 passengers, arrived at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, it was greeted with a water salute by Saudi officials, celebrating the success of the first Shanghai-Riyadh flight.
The launch of the route establishes a new direct scheduled flight connecting Shanghai, the largest economic center in China’s Yangtze River Delta and its busiest international aviation hub, with Saudi Arabia, China’s top trading partner in the Middle East.
China Eastern Airlines Group Limited has been initiating and resuming international flights with the launch of the Shanghai-Riyadh route, as well as new routes from Shanghai to Istanbul and Cairo throughout 2023. As of April 2024, China Eastern’s international routes have recovered to 91.4 percent of their 2019 levels, with 88 routes contributing to countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.
In September 2023, Saudi Arabia became a designated destination for Chinese outbound group travel. On the eve of the May Day Holiday, a direct flight was established between Shanghai and Riyadh, the capital and cultural and political center of Saudi Arabia. This new route creates a smooth corridor that facilitates various exchanges and personal travel between the two regions.
China Eastern Airlines Group Limited, based in Shanghai and the city’s largest primary airline, is working to establish itself as a global carrier in air transport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport, where it is headquartered, is China’s busiest hub for international passenger traffic. Similarly, King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh serves as a major international hub that connects West Asia, North Africa, and Europe. The new Shanghai-Riyadh flight route not only provides services for travelers but also offers new options for passenger transfers through these airports to additional destinations.
Notably, China Eastern operates the Shanghai-Riyadh route with its A330 wide-body aircraft. It is the first airline in China able to offer Wi-Fi coverage during whole flights within all cabins as A330 planes are equipped with high-speed air-to-ground connectivity. Passengers can connect to onboard Wi-Fi services as soon as the plane takes off, enjoying a high-quality air travel experience.
