China Eastern Airlines (CEA), headquartered in Shanghai is the second largest airline in China.

As a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, it operates an extensive network of domestic and international flights, serving destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Australia.

As the airline again commences flights to Perth, we take a deeper look at what the airline offers in terms of safety and comfort.

Safety Ratings and Record

China Eastern Airlines holds a 4/7 safety rating from AirlineRatings.com. While the airline has a generally safe operational history, it has experienced a few incidents over the decades. Most notably Flight MU5735 (March 2022): This tragic incident involved a Boeing 737-800 flying from Kunming to Guangzhou, which crashed in the Guangxi region. All 132 passengers and crew on board were lost, marking one of the worst aviation accidents in recent Chinese history. To this day pilot suicide has not been ruled out and the casue of the crash remains largely unanswered.

READ: China Eastern Flight Was Intentional

Onboard Experience

China Eastern provides varying levels of comfort and amenities depending on the cabin class. Here’s what you can expect:

Business Class

• Seating: Fully flatbed seats with direct aisle access on newer wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 777 and Airbus A350. Older aircraft may feature angled lie-flat seats.

• Dining: A multi-course meal service featuring Chinese and Western cuisine options. Premium wines, champagne, and a selection of teas are typically offered.

• Amenities: High-quality bedding, noise-canceling headphones, amenity kits (often featuring branded products like L’Occitane), and pajamas on long-haul routes.

• Entertainment: Large personal screens with an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and music. Wi-Fi is available on many international flights.

• Lounge Access: Business class passengers can access China Eastern’s VIP lounges, including the flagship lounge at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

Economy Class

Economy class on China Eastern strikes a balance between affordability and comfort.

• Seating: Standard seats with a pitch of 31-33 inches, depending on the aircraft. Headrests are adjustable for added comfort.

• Dining: Complimentary meals and beverages, with options for Chinese and international dishes. Special meals (vegetarian, halal, etc.) can be pre-ordered.

• Entertainment: Seatback screens on most international flights with a variety of movies and shows. Shorter domestic routes may feature shared screens or no entertainment.

• Extras: Pillows and blankets are provided on long-haul flights. In-flight Wi-Fi is available on select routes for an additional fee.

Final Thoughts

China Eastern Airlines offers a competitive and well-rounded travel experience, with strong safety credentials and a range of onboard amenities. While its economy class is comparable to other major carriers, its business class stands out for comfort and value, particularly on newer aircraft. Despite the tragedy of Flight MU5735, the airline has a strong safety culture and remains a reliable choice for both domestic and international travel.