New service opens up capacity for 45 tonnes of freight to be exported each week
South Australia now has a direct connection to Shanghai with a new China Eastern service offering 286 seats, and about 15-tonnes of freight capacity on each flight.
Three return-services will operate each week until August as part of a seasonal service, with the airline then set to return in December.
China Eastern operates almost 800 aircraft, connecting from destinations across China, and around the world via Shanghai Pudong International Airport. Shanghai itself is home to approximately 30mn people.
The new service opens up an important trading route, with the capacity for 45 tonnes of freight to be exported from South Australia each week.
China remains South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner with A$3.9bn worth of merchandise goods exported to China in the year to April 2026, including A$22.1mn worth of fresh fruit (up 28 per cent).
South Australia’s state development minister Chris Picton said these historic new flights will unlock more exports, more tourism and more opportunities to connect with the state’s largest trading partner.
“Shanghai is the financial and economic capital of China, and South Australian exporters now have a direct pathway from our state to their plate,” Picton said.
“More direct flights mean less delays, fresher produce and better market access for our exporters. We will be working with South Aussie businesses to help them capitalise on this new export opportunity.”
Adelaide Airport managing director Brenton Cox added: “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.”
“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,” he said.
“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 said the new Shanghai-Adelaide route, operating three direct services per week between 20 June and 2 August, offers South Australia a new gateway to China and beyond.
“With the launch of the new route, China Eastern Airlines now serves four destinations across Australia,” Cheng said. “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.”
