SHANGHAI, Oct. 31, 2025 — The 2025 North Bund International Aviation Forum commenced today at Shanghai’s Grand Halls, China. This event was organized by the Ministry of Transport of the People’s Republic of China and the Shanghai Municipal People’s Government, with China Eastern Air Holding Co., Ltd. and Shanghai Airport Authority serving as co-hosts.
Centered on the theme “Innovation and Intelligence: Shaping Aviation’s Next Era,” the forum convened approximately 300 global leaders and experts from governmental bodies, aviation companies, and research institutions. Attendees gathered to explore evolving trends and strategic directions influencing the aviation sector.
Several significant accomplishments were unveiled during the forum:
China Eastern Airlines presented its Global Passenger and Cargo Network Development Report;
The Shanghai Airport Authority introduced its new transfer service brand, “Shanghai to the World, Seamless Transfers;”
The Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (STCSM), the Shanghai Airport Authority, and East China Normal University collaboratively showcased results from “Key Technologies and Pilot-Scale Verification for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF);”
The China Civil Airports Association published the CCAA·2025 China Transport Airport Development Index.
As the worldwide aviation sector rapidly moves towards digitalization, intelligence, and sustainability, innovation and integrating technology are now crucial for its future development. Keynote sessions featured experts from institutions such as Fudan University, the China Academy of Railway Sciences, Air France-KLM Group, MATAR-Hamad International Airport, and the China Academy of Civil Aviation Science and Technology. They examined global aviation network expansion strategies through the lenses of “physical chain” and “technology chain.”
A roundtable discussion, titled “Soaring Over the Yangtze River Delta, Integrating for the Next Era: ‘Aviation Plus MICE, Culture, Sports & Exhibitions’, New Business Models Driving Shipping Center Development,” included speakers from the Shanghai Airport Authority, the China Center of International Cultural Exchange and Tourism Promotion, China Sports Industry Group, Shanghai Museums Association, and Shanghai Jiushi Group. Attendees exchanged actionable perspectives on novel business models and inter-sector integration as part of the “Aviation+” initiative.
China Eastern Airlines and the Shanghai Airport Authority collaborated to present their newest advancements in “Aviation + Culture & Tourism,” offering immersive demonstrations of technologically enhanced travel solutions. Notable presentations included China Eastern’s digital representation of its “Air Silk Road” network and the introduction of its AI digital human collection, featuring virtual assistant “Dongdong” and physical robot “Xiaodong,” which highlighted the extensive incorporation of AI into aviation services.
Additionally, China Eastern Airlines officially unveiled the “China Pass,” a collaborative effort with the China Sports Industry Group, Shanghai Museums Association, and Shanghai Jiushi Group. This card provides various exclusive perks, such as flight discounts, in-flight Wi-Fi, integrated airport transfers, and free half-day Shanghai tours for connecting passengers at Pudong International Airport. Global distribution will occur via China Eastern Airlines’ sales channels, with future plans to extend coverage to attractions, hotels, and retail, thereby creating a full ecosystem for inbound tourism expenditures.
The collaborating entities also showcased a unique cultural collection named “Pulse of the Silk Road, Symphony of Airways,” which featured a mulberry silk scarf, porcelain pieces, and commemorative badges equipped with NFC chips. A smartphone tap on a badge reveals a “wearable digital archive” of forum highlights, creatively merging aviation with cultural heritage.
The forum’s impact also extended to air travel: China Eastern Airlines implemented a North Bund Forum-themed experience across approximately 400 flights arriving in Shanghai. A standout instance was the October 17 “City Window” flight MU244 from Milan to Shanghai, developed in conjunction with Shanghai City News Service. Via meticulously designed cabin presentations and engaging activities, passengers encountered Shanghai’s lively culture and urban dynamism at cruising altitude, effectively turning the flight into an active city display.
As a primary contributor to the Shanghai international aviation hub’s expansion, China Eastern Airlines has helped Pudong International Airport attain a leading national position in both passenger and cargo volumes. Since 2024, China Eastern Airlines has introduced 23 new medium- and long-haul international routes, connecting to 21 “Belt and Road” partner nations and 36 destinations. With the impending launch of the Shanghai-New Zealand-Argentina route by the close of the year, China Eastern is set to become the first mainland Chinese carrier to link all six inhabited continents and will hold the top spot for the number of international destinations served.
Through infrastructural enhancements like the Hongqiao Air-Rail Transfer Center and satellite city terminals, China Eastern Airlines is bolstering the Yangtze River Delta’s integrated air-ground transportation network. In 2024, the airline managed 8.358 million international transfer passengers at Pudong International Airport, accounting for 80.9% of the airport’s overall total. During the first half of 2025, this number climbed to 4.795 million, marking a 26.8% year-on-year rise, thus highlighting its critical function in improving Shanghai Pudong’s international transfer efficiency.
Source: China Eastern Airlines
CONTACT: Contact: Ms. Wang, Tel: 86-10-63074558
