Blending style with service in the air

Into the future

This year, which marks the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, China Eastern is looking to ramp up its globalization efforts with the procurement of its first A350-900 and B787-9 flagship models that are equipped with next-generation cabin service systems.

China Eastern, which serves more than 400,000 passengers across the world on a daily basis, lies more than 120 million air travelers to 1,074 destinations in 174 nations and regions every year. The Shanghai-based carrier operates the world's second largest and Asia's largest Airbus fleet which comprises nearly 700 aircraft, including more than 360 Airbus jets.

Currently, all the wide-body aircraft from China Eastern are equipped with the next-generation in-light Wi-Fi.

Li Wenli, who joined China Eastern in 1987 and was a trainer for the carrier's Lingyan cabin crew training center in 2012, said she is extremely proud that China Eastern is operating one of the newest fleets in the world. The planes now have an average operation period of just 5.39 years.

"As light crew, we are the bridge that brings goodwill and kindness to our passengers. No matter how our meals and products have changed, the spirit of our service is still the same. We are willing to serve our passengers in any condition," said Li.

She said that the service staff also goes the extra mile to make travelers feel at home during a light. For example, the crew makes it a point to let long-distance light travelers wake up to the scent of coffee or porridge, or to the sounds of pleasant music.

For first class and business class passengers, food can be provided at any time and within a minute, regardless of whether it is dumplings, sandwiches, or scallion oil noodles.

"Believe it or not, our cabin crew has continuously developed new flavors of cocktails by themselves, and the most popular ones are our own concoctions, 'Young' and 'Virgin' mojitos," added Pan. According to her, cocktail service for first class and business class passengers started in 2005.

The airline also provides sleepwear for business class passengers who are on long-haul lights. After realizing that the previous version of the pajamas were not well-received by the passengers, the airline changed them to sportswear. The new clothes have been so well-liked that many passengers even keep them for their personal use after the light.

"I love to provide cabin service to passengers. It is not just about the blue skies - we don't have time to look out of the window and admire the sky when we are at work. What I cherish the most is that small, intimate space where we get to serve people. I will miss that when I retire," said Pan.