Swissport launches full-service operations for China Eastern Airlines in Melbourne; adds cold-chain pharma handling in Melbourne
Swissport International AG - Swissport launches full-service operations for China Eastern Airlines in Melbourne
Swissport launches full-service operations for China Eastern Airlines in Melbourne
Swissport, the global leader in aviation services, has commenced comprehensive ground handling and cargo operations for China Eastern Airlines at Melbourne International Airport, marking a significant expansion of the companies’ strategic partnership across the Asia-Pacific region.
Under the agreement, Swissport will deliver a full range of airport services, including passenger services, ramp handling, cargo operations, and aircraft cleaning. The partnership strengthens operational connectivity between Melbourne and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, one of Asia-Pacific’s key aviation corridors.
“This partnership reflects both the trust China Eastern Airlines places in Swissport and the strength of our Asia-Pacific network to deliver fully integrated aviation services for our airline customers,” said Brad Moore, CEO Asia-Pacific at Swissport. “Building on our collaboration in Shanghai, we are now extending that partnership in support of China Eastern Airlines’ international expansion.
“The partnership has enabled Swissport to jointly develop a unique service and support model for Chinese carriers. Like Swissport, China Eastern Airlines has a steadfast and unwavering focus on safety across its operations, which is strongly reflected in the standard operating procedures in place for China Eastern Airlines,” said Moore.
Combining our ground handling expertise and cabin care with advanced cargo capabilities, Swissport can provide greater consistency, coordination, and efficiency across the operation. This helps China Eastern Airlines deliver a more reliable experience for both passengers and cargo customers across one of its key international corridors.
Shanghai Pudong handled 4 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, while China Eastern Airlines transports around 19,500 tonnes annually on the Shanghai–Melbourne route.
Melbourne serves as a key gateway for Australian exports, particularly fresh produce, seafood, and pharmaceutical products, while also supporting growing import flows driven by e-commerce demand from China.
Swissport’s Melbourne cargo operation includes specialised cold-chain infrastructure and pharmaceutical handling capabilities, supporting the safe and compliant transport of temperature-sensitive and high-value goods across the Australia–China corridor.
China Eastern Airlines operates a multi-city network between China and Melbourne, supported by Swissport’s ground handling operations at Melbourne International Airport.
The carrier operates up to 14 weekly flights between Shanghai Pudong and Melbourne during the low season (March–September), increasing to 17 weekly services during the peak season (October–February).
In addition, the network includes three weekly services connecting Melbourne with Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport, strengthening links to key economic regions across China.
To support the launch, Swissport’s Melbourne team completed specialised training at China Eastern Airlines’ Shanghai headquarters, the first time the carrier has hosted an international operational team at its home base.
The programme covered systems training, operational procedures, and service standards to ensure full readiness across all aspects of the operation. Melbourne-based teams were trained directly on China Eastern Airlines’ safety protocols and ground handling processes.
CABIN CARE EXPANDS TO MELBOURNE WITH CHINA EASTERN AIRLINES
The start of operations for China Eastern Airlines in Melbourne also marks the expansion of Swissport’s fleet care cleaning services.Cabin Careby Swissportlaunched in Sydney International Airport in February this year and has seen significant demand already for the service which integrates specialised cabin cleaning and presentation services with Swissport’s established ground handling operations. The new service strengthens Swissport’s position as a complete aircraft turnaround provider, creating seamless coordination across all aspects of aircraft turnaround. The team of cross-skilled personnel, trained by Swissport’s global Cabin Care specialists, hold dual qualifications in cabin services and general ground operations. This integrated workforce enables seamless communication, accountability, and faster turnaround times, with plans to strategically expand as airline demand grows.
The partnership with China Eastern Airlines builds on Swissport’s continued expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, including its landmark commercial agreement to manage and jointly operate the new Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in partnership with SMARGO, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics.
Together, these operations reinforce Swissport’s presence across the Asia-Pacific region and support growing demand for integrated ground handling and air cargo services. Operating at more than 300 airports across 49 countries worldwide, Swissport brings global scale and consistency to its airline customers. In Australia, the Melbourne operation further positions Swissport to support the future growth of China Eastern Airlines’ network across additional gateways, in line with the carrier’s broader expansion plans.
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