Review of China Eastern flight Shanghai Singapore in Economy

Airline China Eastern
Flight MU565
Class Economy
Seat 64J
Aircraft Airbus A330-300
Flight time 05:50
Take-off 02 Jan 18, 14:35
Arrival at 02 Jan 18, 20:25
MU 173 reviews
FiamaArin
By 2607
Published on 12th March 2018
SIN - PVG MU Y / A330-200: Link
PVG - FUK MU Y / B737-800: Link
FUK - PVG MU Y / A321-200: Link
PVG - SIN MU Y / A330-300: HERE

Last flight home and what is probably going to be the last FR that I write for awhile. I'd like to thank all my readers and all those who've gave me all the constructive comments on how I can improve so far. I'm sorry for the slightly blurry pictures from this series of reports. I sent my lens for repair and it seems it isn't calibrated properly. I will get this rectified before my next reports.

China Eastern Airlines
MU 565
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) - Singapore Changi International Airport (SIN)
A330-300
B-8862
Economy Class
Gate 211


The Boarding Pass for this flight.
photo img_9994

After crossing security and checks, we cross over to the departure hall of the international terminal. Our flight is at Gate 211 and that means down we go, to the first floor. There's not much here other than a small duty-free shop and several vending machines.
photo img_9995photo img_9996

PVG's FIDS prior to departure. Since I do have some time, I watched several shows I had on my phone. PVG's WiFi is a hassle to use anyway.
photo img_9997

Finally, it's time to board our flight. Via bus, as per most MU flights in PVG.
photo img_9998

A few shots from the outside. Our bird is in the newer MU livery.
photo img_0001photo img_0003

When I entered, I was treated to a wonderful surprise. It's MU's newest Y-cabin offering. Slimline seats and big touch screens. The tan seating also makes the cabin feel more spacious and more refined. The cabin is configured in a 2-4-2 configuration.
photo img_0004photo img_0005photo img_0006

A POV shot of my seat when seated. Each seat comes with a pillow and a packaged blanket for comfort. The seat is fairly comfortable and wouldn't be too unenjoyable even for long flights.
photo img_0007photo img_0021

A shot of the cabin to the rear.
photo img_0008

A shot of the cabin to the front.
photo img_0009

Let's now take a look at the all important IFE system. The screen seems to be a 11.1" screen with touch screen function. The remote is new as well with no faulty buttons but with the touchscreen, I can foresee remotes being a thing of the past soon.


The flight map in the IFE is excellent as well but the lack of control over the information shown is slightly disappointing.


The IFE is also very well stocked with various shows from Hollywood, Europe and Asia.
photo img_0018photo img_0019photo img_0020

Now a look at the seatback contents. Safety Information card, China Quarantine Information, Airsickness bag, Duty-free magazine and CAAC Inflight magazine.


We're now in the air!
photo img_0032

About 90 minutes in, the meal service begins.
photo img_0033

The meal options were Beef or Fish. Unfortunately for me, when it came to me, the beef was already sold out. So I had to settle for the fish option. Fortunately, it was eel which I'm a big fan of so I was fine with it. The meal with served with a smoked salmon salad and watermelon.
photo img_0034

A quick lavatory visit after my meal to stretch my legs. New cabin means the toilet was new as well.
photo img_0036photo img_0037

After some movies and a nap, we were over Malaysia and approaching our destination.


It's already evening and the sun is setting yet again on my trip.
photo img_0044

Final approach.
photo img_0047

Disembarking the plane. This new plane really ups MU's service game in terms of comfort.
photo img_0048

Back in Changi airport and this familiar hot, humid weather.
photo img_0049photo img_0050photo img_0051
See more

Verdict

China Eastern

7.9/10
Cabin8.0
Cabin crew7.5
Entertainment/wifi8.5
Meal/catering7.5

Shanghai - PVG

6.8/10
Efficiency7.0
Access7.0
Services6.5
Cleanliness6.5

Singapore - SIN

8.4/10
Efficiency8.5
Access8.0
Services8.5
Cleanliness8.5

Conclusion

Excellent new cabin from MU. Really brings them up to par with other carriers. Just a question of how long it will taken them to modernise the entire fleet. Still, their competitive pricing and good flight timings mean that they will be here to stay for awhile.

Information on the route Shanghai (PVG) Singapore (SIN)

Les contributeurs de Flight-Report ont posté 16 avis concernant 2 compagnies sur la ligne Shanghai (PVG) → Singapore (SIN).


Useful

La compagnie qui obtient la meilleure moyenne est Singapore Airlines avec 8.7/10.

La durée moyenne des vols est de 5 heures et 29 minutes.

  More information

7 Comments

If you liked this review or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to post a comment below !
  • Comment 436443 by
    marathon GOLD 10115 Comments
    I liked the old cabin colors better (a pure matter of taste), but the larger IFE screen is of course a bonus.
    I also note a multiple seat packet - magazine + netting outside + a smaller pocket on the right which would be convenient for glasses while sleeping.
    A "touch screen only" interface can be a bad nuisance when the person behind you hits the screen hard, especially when playing a game. Games are less comfortable to play because of the distance to the screen (I do NOT recommend to reduce the seat pitch in order to alleviate this issue !).
    I hate non-interactive moving maps, especially the latest ones with plenty of cute displays not showing the accurate position of the aircraft.
    Thanks for sharing !
    • Comment 436833 by
      FiamaArin AUTHOR 71 Comments
      Hi marathon,

      Thanks for reading my report! Did you mean the blue seating when you are describing the old cabin? But yes, this new IFE is fantastic.
      The seatback pockets are useful for glasses, mobile phones and small knick-knacks. I love them. The map seemed to be pretty accurate on this flight, although it was not interactive, I enjoyed it when it cycled to the views from the port and starboard of the plane.

      Sincerely,
      FiamaArin
  • Comment 436471 by
    OH-LWE 33 Comments
    Awesome! My impression with the A330s of airlines in China is that they all tend to use the most outdated seats and hardware if possible... not anymore!
    Congrats on a great report!
  • Comment 436761 by
    nafandra 21 Comments
    Nice report! This is a whole new perspective to the Mainland Chinese carriers and I do hope they implement what they have to offer in this aircraft to the other ones. Really liked the colour tone and the huge touch-screen IFE though. Good job!

Login to post a comment.