Source: Shell Finance

According to a report by The Beijing News (Xinhua?), on August 21, a reporter from The Beijing News learned that the China Eastern Airlines onboard coffee experience has received a brand-new upgrade. China Eastern Airlines, Nestlé, and Starbucks announced a further upgrade to China Eastern Airlines’ onboard coffee service. By aligning products, channels, and in-flight service scenarios, they will jointly integrate a richer range of coffee choices into passengers’ cloud-based journey.

The newly revamped onboard cloud coffee product line will bring China Eastern Airlines passengers a more diverse onboard coffee experience and further expand in-cabin dining options. Starbucks coffee will enter China Eastern Airlines’ First Class and Business Class, continuing to deliver a premium experience to consumers with its signature flavors. This three-way collaboration is an extension of the long-term partnership between China Eastern Airlines and Nestlé and Starbucks, and represents a scenario integration between airline services and mature consumer brands. Since Nestlé and Starbucks formed a global coffee alliance in 2018, Starbucks has entered more consumer scenarios through a licensing model, with the airline cabin being the latest link. China Eastern Airlines and Starbucks achieved member interconnectivity in 2025. Nestlé has partnered with the airline for 16 years, and both parties previously launched a co-branded ear-hanging coffee.

This upgrade is also a specific measure to further improve the dining experience of global travelers. The upgraded coffee service will be rolled out gradually on China Eastern Airlines flights. By then, passengers in two cabins will be able to enjoy Starbucks coffee, while those in economy class can experience Nestlé’s high-quality coffee offerings. Drawing on its long-standing cooperation with China Eastern Airlines, its coffee business expertise, and its capabilities in serving and distributing food and beverage products, Nestlé supports the supply and on-board delivery of coffee services, providing economy class passengers of China Eastern Airlines with stable, high-quality coffee. Martine Maizes (Kais Marzouki), Chairman and CEO of Nestlé Greater China, said: “Nestlé coffee and Starbucks coffee will leverage their respective strengths in coffee products and services, and work together to integrate into the in-flight catering system of China Eastern Airlines.”

Edit Tang Zheng

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