China Eastern Airlines has expanded its Australian network with the launch on 16 January of a thrice-weekly service from Shanghai Pudong (PVG) to Brisbane (BNE).

The 7,302-kilometre route will be operated by the SkyTeam member using its A330-200s. Initially the service will operate for a couple of months before operating year-round starting later in the year. No other carrier operates this city pair. China Eastern already served Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney with non-stop flights from Shanghai. Julieanne Alroe, CEO and MD, Brisbane Airport Corporation, said: “We warmly welcome China Eastern Airlines to Brisbane and look forward to building a strong alliance that will continue to grow in the future. We also look forward to welcoming more China Eastern travellers to celebrate Chinese New Year and enjoy our city and state’s enviable weather and natural wonders. I commend the management of China Eastern Airlines for committing important resources to this route and providing essential direct flight connections between Shanghai a Brisbane.”

aenna.