China Eastern to fly Sydney-Auckland

[elanshin]

Fifth freedom between SYD and AKL on MU?

China Eastern Expands Oceania Network in NW23 — AeroRoutes

Published at 0200GMT 28SEP23 China Eastern as of Wednesday 27SEP23 opened reservation for additional routes to Australia and New Zealand for Northern winter 2023/24 season, including previously announced service resumption on Shanghai – Brisbane route. Hangzhou – Auckland – Sydney – Hangzhou e

www.aeroroutes.com

Wonder what their pricing for SYD <> AKL would be like. If its not that expensive under QF codeshare might consider it given it'll be a better J than the 737s

 

[Mattg]

Just had a look - fares start around AUD262 one-way for SYD-AKL in Economy. Business is AUD893 one-way.

The flight timings look good and its an A330-200. Lie-flat seating in J.

It doesn't seem possible to book this on a QF codeshare, as far as I can tell.

 

[elanshin]

MU's A332 is probably not the greatest and a generation of planes back from the a359 that's currently on SYD <> PVG but given it's harder to find wide bodies to NZ, it'll be a nice change. Shame it won't be easy to earn QF status on them though.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Since these flights have been running, does anyone have experience or insight to which A330s they fly to Auckland - or have any insight on how I can find out?
There are some good priced business class fares but I am aware that China Eastern have 3 configurations of A330s. Unfortunately making a dummy booking won't help me understand which plane config they fly as you cannot seat select before you make a payment - if you can believe it!

On the page where you select your flights, there are two options to see the plane, one a video which shows an overview of the A330 and the inside view shows the 2-2-2 business config, the other thumbnail of cabin shows the angled lie flat seats.
While the price is a good one, I would prefer to go with Qantas/Air NZ where I can maintain my status if the seats China Eastern fly won't be the angled lie flat seats.

 

[elanshin]

Since these flights have been running, does anyone have experience or insight to which A330s they fly to Auckland - or have any insight on how I can find out?
There are some good priced business class fares but I am aware that China Eastern have 3 configurations of A330s. Unfortunately making a dummy booking won't help me understand which plane config they fly as you cannot seat select before you make a payment - if you can believe it!

On the page where you select your flights, there are two options to see the plane, one a video which shows an overview of the A330 and the inside view shows the 2-2-2 business config, the other thumbnail of cabin shows the angled lie flat seats.
While the price is a good one, I would prefer to go with Qantas/Air NZ where I can maintain my status if the seats China Eastern fly won't be the angled lie flat seats.

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

I too would assume they use this config on this route, but other airlines (LATAM) do use their 2-2-2 business layout for their Auckland-Sydney flights.

 

[Rayesfeg]

Whilst I don't think there's confirmation, I'd imagine it's this configuration.

MU Airbus A330-200 type 3 - AeroLOPA | Detailed aircraft seat plans

Hola > China Eastern > Airbus A330-200 type 3This version of the China Eastern Airbus A330-200 is configured 30J 202M and features Safran Cirrus II seats in Business ClassPlease note, the seat plan illustrated here while developed from a China Eastern published layout, has not yet been fully...

www.aerolopa.com

They use the planes on the AKL route for LHR too from what it seems. The 2-2-2 is more regional configuration from memory.

I made a booking today. After booking was confirmed, I could select my seats and can confirm that it is the 1-2-1 layout.
The price difference between China Eastern and Qantas/Air NZ in business was astounding. Even on the 2-2-2 layout, the price differential would have made it worth it.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

+1 to above. Booked for end August. I booked Y, but was also curious of the layout for J and was able to figure out it was the 1-2-1 based on the row numbers for Y. Was tempted to go for J as fares were indeed very reasonable, but as I already have status benefits and figure the tag flights to/from NZ are likely to have lighter loads, I didn't bother. Good times and cheaper than all of the competitors; will be interesting to see how it goes. Website was clunky and app was useless in English but I was able to do what I needed to do, and assign any seat I wanted. Will report back.

 

[xen0n33]

Is there an easy way to add a frequent flyer number to an existing MU booking? I have a SYD-AKL J booking in November, but didn't add FF number at the time of booking (or the option wasn't there).

I've been through the 'manage my booking' via their website and tried the app, but haven't found anywhere to add FF details - only generic passenger info, seat, etc. Always possible that I'm just completely overlooking something obvious, so apoligies in advance if that turns out to be the case!

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

Is there an easy way to add a frequent flyer number to an existing MU booking? I have a SYD-AKL J booking in November, but didn't add FF number at the time of booking (or the option wasn't there).

I've been through the 'manage my booking' via their website and tried the app, but haven't found anywhere to add FF details - only generic passenger info, seat, etc. Always possible that I'm just completely overlooking something obvious, so apoligies in advance if that turns out to be the case!

I have a similar issue as I'd booked via AMEX Travel and my FF number didn't make its way through to MU's system. I've also not had luck and have resigned to do it at check-in. My flight is on Friday, so I'll report back.

 

[FlyingKangaroo]

As promised, a follow-up.

The online check-in recognised my reservation but wouldn't let me check in, so into the airport queue I went. No issue adding SkyTeam number at check-in. For those with access (including Priority Pass), the Strata Lounge in Auckland is perfectly respectable, though lacking those nice views of the tarmac.

Inbound flight arrived a bit late after a long flight time, especially after having to do a go-around in Auckland thanks to the wind this morning. Boarding commenced half an hour late but was quick. Flight looked to be around 60% full. I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Back in Y, standard 2-4-2 on an A330. Legroom was more than adequate, seat width also nice -- noticeably better than the standard Y seats on the NZ and QF narrow-bodies.

Crew struggled with English but were courteous and looked happy to be there.

Meal was impressive for a 3-hour trans-Tasman jaunt. Not pictured was the bread that shortly followed thereafter, and barely visible is yet more food in the form of a little packet of pickled veg under the main. I don't think you can do better on any other carrier flying the route.

Flight arrived nearly an hour late as we were then slowed down coming into Sydney with more windy weather, but I was pretty zen being on my way home and not in a rush.

Aside from the lack of a functional app or online check-in, I'd certainly fly them again.

 

[xen0n33]

As promised, a follow-up.

The online check-in recognised my reservation but wouldn't let me check in, so into the airport queue I went. No issue adding SkyTeam number at check-in. For those with access (including Priority Pass), the Strata Lounge in Auckland is perfectly respectable, though lacking those nice views of the tarmac.

Inbound flight arrived a bit late after a long flight time, especially after having to do a go-around in Auckland thanks to the wind this morning. Boarding commenced half an hour late but was quick. Flight looked to be around 60% full. I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Back in Y, standard 2-4-2 on an A330. Legroom was more than adequate, seat width also nice -- noticeably better than the standard Y seats on the NZ and QF narrow-bodies.

Crew struggled with English but were courteous and looked happy to be there.

Meal was impressive for a 3-hour trans-Tasman jaunt. Not pictured was the bread that shortly followed thereafter, and barely visible is yet more food in the form of a little packet of pickled veg under the main. I don't think you can do better on any other carrier flying the route.

Flight arrived nearly an hour late as we were then slowed down coming into Sydney with more windy weather, but I was pretty zen being on my way home and not in a rush.

Aside from the lack of a functional app or online check-in, I'd certainly fly them again.

Great review, thanks for posting that. It all sounds quite promising.

 

[Rayesfeg]

I noticed business class was in the older 2-2-2 configuration despite the seat map showing the newer 1-2-1 one when I booked.

Funny you said that, my flight is booked on an aircraft with the 1-2-1 layout and I had selected my seats at the time that I made the booking.
I checked again today as the trip is coming up soon and the aircraft has magically swapped to the older 2-2-2 layout. No email notifications about it or anything.

Not the biggest deal for a 3hr flight but pretty poor form from MU to not inform customers of the change.