Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines announced on Sunday that its wholly owned e-commerce subsidiary, Chine Eastern E-commerce Co., in the city's free trade zone will begin to provide Internet services for the airline's 100 million customers.
The subsidiary, which registered a capital worth 50 million yuan ($8.1 million), will be offering better services on hotels, flight tickets and other products to the airline's passengers who are members of its frequent flyer program, according to China Eastern Airlines deputy general manager Tang Bing.
Passengers who wish to avail the mentioned services can do so via the airline's official website and its smartphone application. Additionally, they can shop online while onboard planes through the Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) service launched by the company earlier this year.
"The establishment of the company marks the transformation of the carrier to a comprehensive service provider," said Tang.
Tang added that the e-commerce subsidiary is planning to make investments in an effort to transform it into a joint venture in the near future. No additional details were given about the firm's plans.
The logistics sector of the airline will be joined with its e-commerce subsidiary firm.
The airline carrier company also established yesterday the Eastern Airlines Technic Co. at the Hongqiao airport for the repair and maintenance of its aircraft.