China Eastern Airlines and its Shanghai Airlines subsidiary are set to significantly increase their footprint in the Hungarian market with additional flights, Budapest airport has confirmed.
With the beginning of the summer schedule, flights between Shanghai and Budapest will be upgraded to daily service, from thrice-weekly currently.
China Eastern will send a four-class Shanghai Airlines operated Boeing 787-9 to Budapest, including four first class suites, 26 business class, 28 premium economy and 227 regular economy class seats.
Separately, China Eastern and Shanghai Airlines also offer a twice-weekly nonstop service between Budapest and Ningbo, not far from Shanghai. This route, too, is operated by the four-class 787-9 Dreamliners.
In addition to the Shanghai expansion, flag carrier Air China is boosting its flight frequencies to Beijing from Budapest in the upcoming summer season as well.
Going forward, Air China will serve Beijing-Budapest three times a week, up from two weekly services currently offered.
The Star Alliance carrier deploys a three-class 787-9 on Beijing-Budapest, with 30 business class, 34 premium economy and 229 regular economy class seats.
Budapest airport says it is targeting more flights from China and hopes to announce a new route to Southern China soon.
“We are pleased to witness the renewed growth in the Chinese market, which will see our two-way seat capacity between Budapest and China increase by 51% this summer when compared to S23. The expansion aligns with our commitment to providing diverse and convenient travel options to connect Budapest with key destinations in China,” said Balazs Bogats, CCO, Budapest Airport.
“Recognising the economic significance and growing ties between Hungary and the Pearl River Delta region, encompassing Hong Kong, Macao, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou, Budapest Airport is keen on fostering increased connectivity with this dynamic area,” Bogáts added.
