On Monday morning 16 June 2025, China Eastern operated its first direct service between Shanghai and Geneva. This new intercontinental connection operated four times a week, strengthens economic, tourism and diplomatic ties between Switzerland and China.
From Monday 16 June, Shanghai will be connected 4 times a week directly with Geneva. The flights are operated with an
Airbus A350-900 with a total capacity of 288 seats, including 4 in First and 36 in Business class. This latest-generation aircraft is fully in line with Geneva Airport's policy of encouraging airlines to operate quieter, more fuel-efficient aircraft.
This new route also opens up new possibilities for connections via the Chinese economic metropolis to other destinations in Asia and Oceania. Travellers can benefit from a visa exemption for stays in China of up to 30 days, subject to certain conditions.
The arrival of this new player enhances Genève Aéroport long-haul offerings, improving intercontinental connectivity, a priority for the airport hub. This development meets essential needs for Geneva International, the region's economy and tourism. For the tourism industry in French-speaking Switzerland, this new route will facilitate the arrival of new Chinese visitors.
"This route demonstrates the attractiveness of Genève Aéroport for intercontinental flights. We welcome the arrival of this new player, which, with its latest-generation aircraft, offers quality service in a market that has seen strong growth over the last two years," notes Gilles Rufenacht, CEO of Genève Aéroport.
Important detail: with this link, Geneva is now the only Swiss airport with a direct link to China's two biggest cities, Beijing and Shanghai.
“With many tourist attractions and international organizations, Geneva, the “Capital of Peace”, is an international hub in Europe. Shanghai is the largest city in China. Known as the “Pearl of the Orient”, Shanghai is an international metropolis where historical culture and modern civilization coexist. China Eastern Airlines is honored to launch the “Shanghai - Geneva” route, which will further make Geneva and Shanghai closer and promote better mutual development,” notes Liu Texiang, President of China Eastern Group.
China Eastern, a member of SkyTeam operates a modern fleet of over 800 aircraft, positioning it as one of the three leading Chinese airlines. China Eastern maintains the largest internet-equipped wide-body fleet in China, featuring advanced business models and technological capabilities. Through SkyTeam alliance, the airline's route network reaches 1,050 destinations across 166 countries and regions, supported by over 100 operational units globally.
To mark the inaugural flight, a gala dinner will be held on Monday evening, 16 June 2025, attended by the State Councillor of the Canton of Geneva, Nathalie Fontanet, the President of China Eastern Group, and the Chinese ambassador to Switzerland. Over a hundred guests from the worlds of politics, business, and tourism will gather at a top restaurant on the Left Bank.
Flight times
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Images of the arrival of the inaugural flight on Monday 16 June are available here: https://gva.link/chinaeastern