Core Points - Eastern Airlines has launched its first fifth freedom cargo route in the Middle East, connecting Shanghai, Riyadh, and Budapest, starting from November 3 [1][4] - The new route will be operated by Boeing 777F freighters, with three flights planned each week, and a total flight time of approximately 17 hours [3][4] - The opening of this route aligns with the growing demand for air logistics driven by cooperation between China and Saudi Arabia in various sectors, including digital economy and green development [4] Route Details - The route operates in a round-trip manner: Shanghai - Riyadh - Budapest - Shanghai, with outbound flight CK251 and return flight CK252 [4] - Riyadh serves as a strategic hub located at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa, enhancing Eastern Airlines' logistics services in the Middle East and extending its reach into key African markets [5] Strategic Partnerships - Eastern Airlines Logistics signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Saudi Airlines in June, focusing on resource integration through a "space swap" model [5] - In October, a ground operations service agreement was further established, deepening cargo service cooperation [5] - This partnership allows for efficient cargo organization and transit operations in Riyadh, optimizing costs and increasing revenue potential [5] Service Capabilities - The new route enables Eastern Airlines Logistics to provide logistics services to major air hubs in Europe and Africa, such as Liège in Belgium and Nairobi in Kenya [6] - Cargo can reach Nairobi in as fast as 24 hours and Liège in 40 hours via the new route [6] Future Plans - Eastern Airlines Logistics aims to enhance its global market presence by increasing connections with Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the Middle East, while optimizing transit efficiency and developing a comprehensive multimodal transport system [7] - The company has established stable operations at 16 international stations globally, reflecting its commitment to serving national strategies and expanding into emerging markets [7]

Core Viewpoint - China Eastern Airlines has launched a new cargo flight route from Shanghai to Budapest via Riyadh, enhancing its logistics network in the Middle East and Africa [1][3] Group 1: New Route Details - The new cargo flight, operated by China Eastern Airlines' subsidiary China Cargo Airlines, will commence on November 3, 2023, at 2:30 AM from Shanghai Pudong International Airport [1] - The route will operate three flights per week, with a total flight time of approximately 17 hours, utilizing Boeing B777F freighters [3] Group 2: Strategic Importance - Riyadh is positioned at the intersection of Asia, Europe, and Africa, serving as a political and economic hub in the Middle East and a gateway to the African market [3] - By establishing Riyadh as a transit point, China Eastern Airlines aims to enhance its logistics services across the Middle East and extend its network into key African markets [3] Group 3: Operational Advantages - The fifth freedom rights allow China Eastern Airlines to conduct cargo operations, including loading and unloading, in Riyadh, which is expected to improve operational efficiency, optimize costs, and increase revenue [3]