Shanghai Airlines was established on December 30, 1985, making it China’s first commercial airline funded by multiple investments from the Shanghai municipal government and local enterprises. This unique funding structure represented a departure from the state-owned airline model that dominated China’s aviation industry at the time.
In its early years, Shanghai Airlines was restricted to domestic flights, focusing on building a strong presence in mainland China. The airline began expanding its horizons in 1997 when it started operating international services, gradually building its global network.
A significant milestone in the airline’s development came in 2002 when Shanghai Airlines was successfully listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This public offering provided the capital necessary to fuel its ambitious expansion plans, allowing the carrier to grow its fleet and route network.
In 2007, the airline joined the Star Alliance, becoming the 19th member of this global airline network on December 12, 2007, which helped strengthen its international presence and provide better connectivity for its passengers.
However, the competitive landscape changed dramatically in 2009 when an announcement was made on June 11 that Shanghai Airlines would merge with China Eastern Airlines. This strategic merger was completed in February 2010, with Shanghai Airlines becoming a wholly owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines while maintaining its distinct brand identity and livery.
Following the merger, Shanghai Airlines left the Star Alliance on November 1, 2010 and eventually joined SkyTeam alongside its parent company. In 2011, China Eastern (along with Shanghai Airlines) officially became the 14th member of SkyTeam on June 21.
Quick Facts
- Founded: December 30, 1985
- Headquarters: Shanghai, China
- Parent Company: China Eastern Airlines
- Alliance: SkyTeam (affiliate member)
- Hubs: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA)
- Logo: A white crane on a red vertical tail fin
- IATA Code: FM
- ICAO Code: CSH
Fleet
Shanghai Airlines operates an all-Boeing fleet that has grown substantially over the years. As of early 2025, the airline’s fleet consists primarily of Boeing 737 aircraft serving short and medium-haul routes.
The backbone of the fleet has been the Boeing 737-800, with 70 examples making up almost three-quarters of the airline’s fleet according to earlier data. The airline also operates several Boeing 737-700 aircraft for shorter routes.
For long-haul international services, Shanghai Airlines utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The airline has outstanding orders for additional Boeing 787-9 aircraft, which will enhance its capability to serve distant international destinations.
Interestingly, Shanghai Airlines has also placed orders for COMAC ARJ21 regional jets, demonstrating its support for China’s domestic aircraft manufacturing industry. These 90-seat jets will be the smallest aircraft in the airline’s fleet once delivered.
Route Network
Shanghai Airlines operates an extensive network of domestic and international routes from its dual hubs in Shanghai. The carrier serves over 140 domestic and international destinations, providing access to more than 60 large and medium-sized cities in mainland China and abroad.
For domestic travel, Shanghai Airlines offers comprehensive coverage of major Chinese cities, with frequent connections to business and tourism centers throughout the country. The airline shares this domestic network with its parent company, China Eastern Airlines, providing passengers with multiple daily flight options on popular routes.
International services focus primarily on destinations in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. The carrier also operates long-haul services to select destinations, including Melbourne, Australia and Casablanca, Morocco on behalf of China Eastern Airlines, using its own aircraft and crew.
In June 2019, the airline expanded its European presence by opening direct flights to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, further broadening its international footprint.
Hubs and Operations
Shanghai Airlines operates from two key hubs in Shanghai:
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): Located approximately 30 kilometers east of downtown Shanghai, Pudong International Airport serves as the primary gateway for international flights. China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines signed a strategic cooperation framework agreement with Shanghai Airport Group to allocate more capacity to Pudong Airport, allowing them to open more international routes and increase flight frequencies on existing international and domestic trunk routes.
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA): Situated about 13 kilometers west of downtown Shanghai, Hongqiao Airport handles mostly domestic flights and some regional international services. Its proximity to the city center makes it particularly convenient for business travelers.
The strategic dual-hub operation allows Shanghai Airlines to efficiently serve both domestic and international markets while offering passengers convenient connection options.
Frequent Flyer Program
Prior to the merger with China Eastern Airlines, Shanghai Airlines operated its own frequent flyer program called Crane Club (?????/?????), which featured two tier levels: Crane Club Gold and Silver.
Following the merger, Shanghai Airlines announced in April 2011 that the Crane Club would be merged into China Eastern’s Eastern Miles Program. This integration was officially completed on June 8, 2011, allowing members to earn and use mileage on flights operated by both airlines.
Today, the Eastern Miles (?????/?????) program serves as the official frequent flyer program for Shanghai Airlines. Members can earn miles through flights and partner services, with the opportunity to upgrade to Elite membership tiers when meeting specific requirements.
Contact Information
Shanghai Airlines Headquarters 66 Airport Avenue Hongqiao International Airport Changning District, Shanghai, China
Customer Service Hotline: +86-21-95530
Email: customersvc@ceair.com
Website: https://www.ceair.com (shared with China Eastern Airlines)
The Future of Shanghai Airlines
The future of Shanghai Airlines is closely tied to the growth strategy of its parent company, China Eastern Airlines. The combined entity is focused on strengthening Shanghai’s position as a global aviation hub, with particular emphasis on expanding international connectivity.
Recent reports indicate that international flights into Shanghai are set to jump significantly in 2025, almost completing the city’s recovery to pre-pandemic totals. This growth will benefit both China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines as they continue to develop their shared network.
In November 2024, China Eastern Airlines launched a new service route connecting Shanghai-Madrid-Lima in collaboration with Spain’s Air Europa through a codeshare agreement. This type of international expansion, particularly to emerging markets, represents the direction that the combined airline group is taking.
The continued fleet modernization, with deliveries of new Boeing aircraft and the introduction of Chinese-manufactured COMAC jets, shows Shanghai Airlines’ commitment to operating an efficient, modern fleet. The airline is also likely to benefit from the third runway system at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, which is scheduled to fully commence operations, enhancing the airport’s capacity and efficiency.
As travel demand recovers and grows, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, Shanghai Airlines is well-positioned to capitalize on its strategic dual-hub operation in China’s financial center, serving both business and leisure travelers with an expanding network of destinations and modern fleet.
Keyword: TopAirlines