South Australia’s connection with its largest two-way trading partner, China, is set to be strengthened as it welcomes the first China Eastern flight offering a direct route between Shanghai (known as the magic city) and Adelaide.
The direct flight between the world’s third largest city and Adelaide, will operate three times a week as part of a seasonal service through to August, with the airline then set to return later in 2026.
The Airbus A350-900 is a wide-bodied aircraft that provides 286 seats cross economy and business class and up to 15 tonnes of freight capacity on each flight, supporting South Australian exporters to get products into the state’s largest trading partner.
China Eastern operates 800 aircraft, connecting destinations across China and around the world via Shandong Pudong International Airport. The new service will provide access to an important trading route, with capacity for 45 tonnes a week to be exported from South Australia.
“The new Shanghai-Adelaide route, operating three direct services per week between 20 June and 2 August, offers South Australian travellers a new gateway to China and beyond,” said Bruce Cheng, General Manager (Oceania), China Eastern Airlines. “Our flights are operated by China Eastern Airlines’ flagship Airbus A350-900 aircraft, 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.”
China is South Australia’s largest two-way trading partner with $3.9 billion work of merchandise exports sent to China in the year to April 2026, including $146.7 million worth of meat (up 141 per cent on the previous year), $132.8 million worth of seafood (up 74 per cent) and $22.1 million worth of fresh fruit (up 28 per cent).
The new route will also support South Australia’s growing international education sector, with China the state’s second largest source market for international students.
“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 Brenton Cox, Managing Director, Adelaide Airport. “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.”
