Zayed International Airport welcomes China Eastern Airlines' inaugural flight to Abu Dhabi
The new service will operate four times a week, with a daily service starting from 12 September 2025.
First flight marks the start of Joint Venture between Etihad and China Eastern.
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Zayed International Airport (AUH) welcomed the successful inaugural flight connecting Shanghai and Abu Dhabi. The flight touched down at 21:20 GST on Monday, April 28th, marking a significant milestone in air connectivity between the two cities. This launch further reinforces Abu Dhabi's role as a global hub for international travel.
Flight MU237, an Airbus A330 widebody aircraft, operated by China Eastern Airlines, departed from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) with nearly 260 passengers on board. The aircraft's arrival in Abu Dhabi was met with a traditional Chinese performance, celebrating the start of the new service.
Nathalie Jongma, Vice President of Aviation Development at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: 'We are delighted to welcome China Eastern Airlines to Zayed International Airport, marking a key milestone in the continued expansion of air connectivity between Abu Dhabi and Shanghai. This new service not only offers passengers greater choice and convenience but also supports our strategic vision to position Zayed International Airport as a leading hub for global trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership will bring to both cities.'
Wan Qingchao, Executive Vice President of China Eastern Airlines, commented: 'The launch of the Shanghai–Abu Dhabi route and the activation of our Joint Venture with Etihad Airways represent a major step forward in implementing our shared vision under the Belt and Road Initiative. Operating from Zayed International Airport, recognised as the World's Most Beautiful Airport, we will further enhance transit options and passenger convenience.'
Arik De, Chief Revenue and Commercial Officer of Etihad Airways, said: 'We are delighted to welcome China Eastern's flights between Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, marking an exciting milestone in the Joint Venture between our airlines. This partnership opens doors to greater travel opportunities for guests of both carriers, as well as fostering mutual economic growth.'
The new service, a result of the strengthened joint venture with Etihad Airways, operates four times a week – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays – with a one-way flight duration of approximately 9 hours and 20 minutes. The aircraft is equipped with high-speed inflight Wi-Fi, providing passengers with a seamless connection throughout the journey.
The successful launch of China Eastern Airlines' new Shanghai–Abu Dhabi service at Zayed International Airport expands connectivity and reflects Abu Dhabi Airports' commitment to meeting the rising demand for global travel.
About Abu Dhabi Airports:
Abu Dhabi Airports operates five commercial airports in the emirate, including Zayed International Airport, Al Ain International Airport, Al Bateen Executive Airport, Delma Island Airport and Sir Bani Yas Island Airport. Having welcomed over 29 million passengers through its airports in 2024, Abu Dhabi Airports is a gateway to the Emirates for travellers worldwide. It works towards its vision of positioning Abu Dhabi as a leading global aviation hub. Since November 2023, passengers travelling through Zayed International Airport have had the privilege of experiencing the new state-of-the-art terminal, which has significantly increased the airport's operational capacity and features world-class facilities for passengers and aviation operators while strengthening Abu Dhabi's reputation as a destination of choice.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tourism Breaking News
20 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Etihad expands its European network with flights to Prague and Warsaw
Post Views: 59 Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of flights to two new destinations in Central Europe – Prague and Warsaw. The UAE's national airline operated its inaugural flight to the enchanting Czech capital Prague, one of 16 new destinations the airline will add this year. Next the airline touched down in Warsaw for the first time, adding the vibrant Polish capital to its expanding European network. 'Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. 'These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.' Often called the 'City of a Hundred Spires', Prague captivates visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture, centuries-old squares, and lively cultural scene. The Czech capital's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases architectural treasures spanning eight centuries, while its modern districts pulse with innovative cuisine, art, and design. Beyond the city, the surrounding region offers picturesque landscapes, from historic castles to renowned spa towns. In Poland, the modern city of Warsaw captivates with its distinctive contrasts – elegant architecture and contemporary skylines, traditional markets and inspired dining scenes, historic parks and cutting-edge cultural venues. This diversity is complemented by Poland's enticing array of experiences, from medieval cities to pristine forests and mountain ranges. Visitors to the UAE from Czechia and Poland, can enjoy Abu Dhabi's distinctive blend of tradition and modern luxury. The UAE capital offers everything from the serenity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the artistic masterpieces of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The city serves as an ideal gateway to desert adventures, championship golf courses, and the entertainment district of Yas Island with its world-class theme parks and Yas Marina Circuit. Prague and Warsaw join Etihad's expanding European network at an exciting time. The airline is set to welcome 16 new destinations throughout 2025, including Atlanta (July), Taipei (September), and key Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi in the fourth quarter. Operating on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the services feature 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats. Each Business Studio transforms into a fully-flat bed and offers direct aisle access, while Economy Smart seats provide enhanced comfort for all guests. The aircraft offers the latest in-flight entertainment technology and thoughtfully crafted comfort in both cabins. To celebrate Etihad's expanding network, the airline has launched a competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, daring guests to compete in a race to visit 15 of the airline's new destinations, including Prague and Warsaw, to win five million Etihad Guest miles. Any new or existing Etihad Guest member can register to compete and has 12 months to complete the challenge, the first three members to visit all 15 destinations will be awarded. First place will win five million Etihad Guest miles, Second place will win three million miles, and Third place will win one million miles.
Arabian Post
20 hours ago
- Arabian Post
Oil Holds Gains on US China Trade Talks Optimism
Oil prices maintained stability following a notable rise as market participants reacted to constructive signals from high-level discussions between the United States and China. Brent crude hovered near $65 a barrel, positioning itself for a weekly advance that would mark its first since mid-May. Similarly, West Texas Intermediate settled close to $63, reflecting a cautious but optimistic outlook amid evolving geopolitical dynamics. The dialogue between President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping marked a pivotal moment in addressing ongoing trade frictions that have weighed heavily on global markets. Both leaders expressed commitment to continued negotiations targeting tariff disputes and supply chain concerns, particularly regarding rare earth minerals critical for technology and manufacturing sectors. This development provided a welcome boost to commodity traders, who have been closely monitoring the situation amid fears of escalating protectionism. Market analysts have noted that oil, being highly sensitive to international trade flows and economic growth forecasts, often mirrors the broader sentiment surrounding US-China relations. The prospect of easing trade tensions suggested potential improvements in global demand for energy, which had been dampened by uncertainty and tariff barriers affecting industrial output. ADVERTISEMENT Despite the positive tone, traders remained vigilant. The recent gains followed a period of volatility driven by mixed signals from trade negotiations and concerns about slowing economic activity in key consuming regions such as China and Europe. Economic indicators have highlighted uneven growth patterns, prompting cautious optimism rather than outright confidence. The agreement to pursue further talks on rare earth minerals carries significant implications beyond the energy markets. These materials, essential for manufacturing electronics, renewable energy technologies, and defence equipment, have been at the centre of a strategic tussle between the two economic superpowers. Supply disruptions or restrictions have ripple effects on various sectors, influencing broader commodity market trends. Financial markets also responded to the potential for stabilisation in trade relations, with equity indices showing tentative gains in tandem with oil's upward movement. Investors appear encouraged by the prospect of de-escalation, although the path to a comprehensive trade deal remains uncertain. The oil market's reaction underscores the interconnectedness of geopolitical developments and commodity pricing. While the immediate impact of the talks has been supportive for prices, the sector continues to face headwinds, including fluctuating demand forecasts and supply-side challenges. OPEC's production decisions, US shale output levels, and inventories in key storage hubs remain closely watched variables that could influence price trajectories. The broader economic backdrop factors into market calculations. Growth slowdowns in major economies have triggered expectations of weaker fuel consumption, while concerns about inflation and central bank policies contribute to volatility in oil and financial markets. The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates and stimulus measures in China are particularly influential, shaping investor sentiment and demand projections. Traders are also monitoring geopolitical tensions outside the trade sphere, including developments in the Middle East and North Africa, which historically affect oil supply security. Any escalation in these regions tends to prompt risk premiums on crude prices, adding complexity to an already dynamic market environment. In the supply chain arena, ongoing challenges related to refining capacity and transportation logistics remain points of focus. Infrastructure bottlenecks and maintenance schedules have periodically constrained fuel availability, impacting pricing at the consumer level. These operational factors, coupled with geopolitical and economic influences, create a layered context for oil market behaviour.
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
China's export curbs on rare earth minerals worry Europe
China is flexing its economic muscle in more senses than one. Its decision to restrict exports of the rare minerals and magnets has sent shivers down the spines of global automakers in Germany and in the United States. Rare earth minerals are needed in key sectors like car manufactures, semi-conductor industry, aerospace industry. The Chinese possess half of the global rare earth mineral reserves. The Chinese decision was mainly to counter US President Donald Trump's refusal to export crucial computer chips needed for AI, and the US' refusal to allow imports from Chinese chipmaker Huawei. More importantly, what has angered the Chinese is the refusal of student visas to Chinese students, and the cancellation of the visas of those who are students in American universities. Europe is caught in a crossfire in the trade war between the giants, the US and China. Europeans, as well as Americans, have suddenly realised that it is not such a good thing to depend on China for either rare earth minerals or even manufactured goods including cars. The West is desperately looking to reduce its dependence on China and it is seeking to diversify its supply chain. European Union (EU) Commissioner for Industrial Strategy Stephane Sejourne said, 'We must reduce our dependencies on all countries, particularly on a number of countries like China, on which we are more than 100 per cent dependent.' Meanwhile EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic said that he was in touch with his Chinese counterpart and they had agreed to clarify the rare earth minerals situation. Major automakers like Mercedes and BMW are claiming that they have enough inventories and their production schedules will not be affected. But it is clear that shortages are looming on the horizon. The US-China trade talks are quite crucial, even as American President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, 'I like President Xi of China, always have, and always will, but he is VERY TOUGH, AND EXTREMELY HARD TO MAKE A DEAL WITH.' Trump is blaming China for breaking the deal made in Geneva to roll back the tariffs that each side had imposed on the other, Trump reduced the tariffs from 145 per cent to 30 per cent, and China reduced it from 135 per cent. Mercedes-Benz production chief Jeorg Burzer said he was talking to top suppliers of the company about building 'buffer' stocks anticipating trouble in the future. He said that Mercedes is well stocked for now and production schedules are not affected. But automakers in Europe and America have aired their worries about the curbs on Chinese exports of the rare earth minerals. Many of the captains of industry are lobbying with their governments to solve the deadlock. Wolfgang Weber, CEO of Germany's electrical and digital industry association, ZVEI, said in an emailed statement, 'Companies currently feel abandoned by politicians and are partly looking for solutions to their difficult situation on their own in China.' Trump's declaration of the tariff war against America's trade partners had mostly caused quiet murmurs, and many countries from the EU and other countries like Japan are trying to work out a trade deal without crossing swords with the US. But China was not willing to take Trump's tariffs passively. It is aware that it has power enough to counter American tariffs with tariffs of its own. The Chinese have always been defiant of the Western world, even when they did not have the economic power they now have. There is of course the harsh fact. China needs the Western countries to maintain its economic growth. It is its exports to Western countries that have made it rich and powerful. Europe and US need the cheap labour of China, and China needs the Western markets. They have to strike a deal with each other.
