05 Feb 2026

#1 February 2026: China Aviation Industry Newsletter

Air Astana Adds Shanghai to Growing China Network

Air Astana announced it will launch direct flights between Almaty and Shanghai from March 2026, operating three times weekly using Airbus A321LR aircraft. The addition of Shanghai becomes Air Astana’s fifth destination in mainland China, alongside Beijing, Guangzhou, Sanya, and Urumqi, further strengthening its long-standing presence in the Chinese market.
 

China Eastern Airlines Reconnects Shanghai and Adelaide<

China Eastern Airlines announced the restoration of its Shanghai Pudong–Adelaide service, effective 21 June 2026. The route will be operated three times weekly using Airbus A350-900 aircraft until 2 August, adding approximately 858 seats and 45 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity per week. The service restores direct connectivity after a five-year hiatus and is expected to support South Australia’s trade recovery and high-yield tourism, particularly premium seafood exports and conference travel.
 

ExecuJet Haite Tianjin Secures Bonded Maintenance Approval

ExecuJet Haite announced it has obtained bonded maintenance approval for its facility at Tianjin Binhai International Airport. The approval allows international aircraft to undergo maintenance within the bonded zone, reducing customs-related costs and improving turnaround times. The facility currently serves a mixed customer base, with approximately 60% China-registered aircraft and 40% international operators, strengthening ExecuJet Haite’s competitiveness within China’s MRO market.
 

Acumen’s Take

On Air Astana’s Shanghai Launch

The addition of Shanghai reflects continued confidence in China’s recovery as a strategic long-haul market. Narrowbody long-range aircraft such as the A321LR are enabling airlines to selectively rebuild capacity while managing risk and operating economics.
 

On China Eastern’s Shanghai–Adelaide Restart

Restoring this route highlights the importance of point-to-point international services in rebuilding trade and premium travel flows. The A350 deployment underscores the role of widebody aircraft in supporting both passenger recovery and high-value cargo demand.
 

On ExecuJet Haite’s Bonded Maintenance Approval

Bonded maintenance status enhances China’s appeal as a regional MRO hub. Reduced costs and faster turnaround times are increasingly critical as operators seek efficiency gains amid rising maintenance demand across Asia-Pacific.
 

Acumen Aviation © 6 February 2026 All Rights Reserve