Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines announced the launch of new routes and the acquisition of products during the ongoing second China International Import Expo, as it aims to increase its presence in countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The airline signed 14 agreements with suppliers from nine countries and regions on Wednesday, covering areas of aviation engine procurement and maintenance, aviation fuel, on board food and drinks, pilot training and IT services. The total value of deals signed this year are projected to exceed the 15.07 billion yuan ($2.16 billion) inked last year.

The company hopes the optimised supply chain will better serve Chinese travellers’ upgraded consumption, and strengthen China Eastern’s competitiveness in the global market.

China Eastern paid special attention to communication and collaboration with countries and regions involved in the initiative. The carrier announced on the first day of the second China International Import Expo that it was going to add two flights between China and Hungary next month.

The two flights between Shanghai and Budapest via Chengdu in Sichuan province and Xi’an in Shaanxi province, respectively, will further extend China Eastern’s air network to countries and regions related to the BRI.

China Eastern currently operates 18 routes with 86 flights weekly to 11 European cities – namely Paris, London, Frankfurt, Rome, Amsterdam, Moscow, Madrid, St Petersburg, Prague, Stockholm and Budapest.

CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK