China connection bolstered with new route underway

South Australia now has a direct connection from one of the world’s most populous cities, with the first China Eastern flight from Shanghai touching down this morning.

The first service out of Shanghai landed at Adelaide Airport around 7:30am, with the return service departing around two hours later.

China Eastern will operate the connection with an Airbus A350-900. The wide-bodied aircraft offers 286 seats across economy and business classes, 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 30 million people.

International visitation was worth a record $1.8 billion to South Australia’s economy last year, up 31 per cent on the previous year and ahead of the national growth of 19 per cent. This has largely been driven by China, with Chinese visitors contributing $375 million to the state’s economy in 2025.

The new service also 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 $3.9 billion worth of merchandise goods exported to China in the year to April 2026, including $146.7 million worth of meat (up 141%), $132.8 million worth of seafood (up 74%) and $22.1 million worth of fresh fruit (up 28%).

China is also the state’s second largest source market for international students. These flights will allow South Australia to welcome even more students – and their visiting families and friends – and will make it easier for students to return from their semester break.

The new flights further bolster South Australia’s existing connection from China. Earlier this year, China Southern upgraded its service from Guangzhou to operate daily, while Cathay Pacific continues its seasonal services from Hong Kong.

Tourism Minister Emily Bourke said this is a fantastic vote of confidence in South Australia as a destination.

“To have a direct link to the world’s third-largest city. Driving tourism from a key market like China is crucially important to the sector.”

“Adelaide’s reputation as a must-visit global destination is growing − This is the thirteenth direct international flight now coming into Adelaide and April this year was Adelaide Airport’s busiest April on record.”

“With international tourism bringing in $1.8 billion to South Australia’s economy, new flights with China Eastern will only add to South Australia’s appeal.”

“We are now just a single flight away from millions of potential new visitors, and we are ready to welcome them here to show off the very best of South Australian hospitality.”

State Development Minister Chris Picton said these historic new flights will unlock more exports, more tourism and more opportunities to connect with our 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.”

“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 Australian travellers a new gateway to China & beyond.

“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.”