China Eastern to buy 25 Airbus A330neo aircraft

China Eastern Airlines will buy 25 Airbus A330neo widebody aircraft as it expands its long-haul fleet to support growing international operations. The airline said the deal is valued at about US$9.35 billion at list prices and deliveries will occur in batches from 2029 through 2033, under an agreement signed with Airbus in Shanghai on June 26. China Eastern expects the jets to operate primarily from Shanghai Pudong Airport, aiming to expand intercontinental routes, increase frequencies and strengthen the airport’s role as a long-haul transit hub. The company said the catalog value is based on Airbus’ January 2025 list prices, with the actual purchase price expected to be lower after discounts. The order follows a separate March agreement for 101 Airbus A320neo aircraft valued at about $15.8 billion. The A330neo features redesigned wings, improved aerodynamics and Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines, and China Eastern expects at least 10 older A330 aircraft to retire during the delivery period. Financing will come from internal funds, bank loans, bond issuances and other sources.