China Eastern Takes on High-Speed Rail with Free Wi-Fi on Flights Connecting Beijing, Shanghai, and Other Key Cities – Are You Ready to Work on Air?

Published on October 20, 2025

In a bid to reclaim passengers from China’s rapidly expanding high-speed rail system, China Eastern Airlines has introduced free Wi-Fi on its domestic flights. This move aims to enhance the appeal of air travel, especially for business travelers who now have several competitive options, including the high-speed trains that dominate popular routes like Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The airline’s new service comes as a direct response to the growing trend of passengers opting for the convenience and comfort of trains, which have been equipped with reliable Wi-Fi and a high-speed internet connection for nearly a decade.

A Growing Rivalry: Air Travel vs. High-Speed Rail

China’s vast high-speed rail network has become an increasingly popular mode of transportation for travelers, particularly those making intercity trips. In many cases, trains offer comparable or even superior service to flights. For instance, the train ride between Beijing and Shanghai, typically taking about 4.5 hours, is often seen as more convenient than flying. Trains offer a stable Wi-Fi connection and drop passengers off in the heart of cities, unlike airports, which are typically situated far from downtown areas.

On the other hand, airlines like China Southern and Air China have faced mounting pressure as rail services continue to improve. Trains are rarely delayed, and passengers can enjoy internet access, including 5G connections, throughout their journey. This has led many business travelers to swap their flights for train tickets, particularly on popular and short-haul routes, further threatening airlines’ market share.

Free Wi-Fi: A Strategic Move by China Eastern

In an effort to counter this shift, China Eastern Airlines rolled out free Wi-Fi service across 37 key domestic routes as of October 11, 2025. This service is available on the airline’s widebody aircraft, which operate on major city routes, including Shanghai, Beijing, Wuhan, and Chengdu. The move is not just a convenience for passengers; it also directly targets business travelers who need reliable internet for work, including email access and web browsing. However, streaming videos or using the Wi-Fi for heavy data applications remains unavailable.

This decision reflects the changing dynamics within China’s transport sector. While high-speed trains have long been a competitor to air travel, the lack of reliable Wi-Fi on planes had often placed airlines at a disadvantage in the battle for business travelers. By introducing this service, China Eastern seeks to level the playing field and attract a demographic that often chooses trains for their smooth and uninterrupted internet access.

Business Travelers and the Shift to Rail

Business travelers, particularly those in sectors like finance or tech, require uninterrupted access to the internet. For many, the ability to stay connected during their journey is critical, especially for tasks like handling stock market trades or attending online meetings. Until now, high-speed trains have offered a clear advantage in this area, with China Railway providing Wi-Fi and 5G coverage on most trains. The airline’s new offer is therefore an important step in addressing the needs of this key group.

However, China Eastern’s free Wi-Fi isn’t entirely unique. Its competitors, Air China and China Southern, already provide limited Wi-Fi services on some flights. But the adoption of free Wi-Fi on widebody aircraft represents a notable leap, aiming to offer a more competitive service across a broader range of flights.

The Battle for Passengers: Trains vs. Planes

While China Eastern Airlines aims to boost its appeal, the relationship between the high-speed rail network and the airline industry is more complex than direct competition. In some cases, train journeys serve as a complementary service to air travel. For instance, passengers traveling from Shanghai Hongqiao station may choose to take the train to the airport, further complicating the rivalry between air and rail.

The Economic Impact on Airlines

The high-speed rail network has not only captured passenger preferences but also dented the profitability of domestic airlines. Both China Southern and Air China reported financial losses in the first half of 2025, which were attributed to factors like intense competition and imbalance in supply. The expanding rail network has played a significant role in this downturn, as more and more passengers opt for trains instead of flights. The free Wi-Fi service by China Eastern Airlines is one part of the airline’s larger strategy to recover from these setbacks and regain a competitive edge.

Tips for Travelers: Making the Most of Wi-Fi on Planes and Trains

For travelers heading to China’s major cities, understanding the pros and cons of both high-speed rail and air travel can help in making the best choice:

• High-speed Rail: Ideal for short to medium-haul journeys, trains offer comfort, speed, and convenience. They have good Wi-Fi coverage and a relaxed atmosphere that makes working on the go much easier. However, trains are not as flexible with late-night schedules as flights.
• Air Travel: If you’re flying on a China Eastern widebody aircraft, the new free Wi-Fi service is a fantastic bonus. However, keep in mind that you may face limited bandwidth for non-business activities like streaming.
• Mixed Travel: Consider taking the train to the airport, especially on routes where China Eastern Airlines might not yet offer Wi-Fi on narrowbody jets.

The competition between airlines and high-speed rail continues to intensify in China, with China Eastern Airlines taking significant steps to keep its business passenger base intact. Offering free Wi-Fi is an essential step in making air travel more appealing and competitive. As the rivalry between these two modes of transportation evolves, passengers can expect even better service and value for money in the years to come.