China Eastern Airlines and Starbucks as well as Nestlé S.A. announced that they would be working together to provide Starbucks coffee in their first-class and business-class cabins.
The agreement improves upon the current “coffee plus air travel” arrangement between the three parties and represents Starbucks’ first co-branded offering on board aircraft in China.
Previously,, Starbucks and China Eastern had worked together on their membership ecosystems to extend the benefits of each loyalty programme.
This new agreement goes beyond the membership level to include inflight service.
A China Eastern Airlines representative said: “This premium cabin coffee upgrade is the convergence of three collaboration threads between China Eastern, Nestle, and Starbucks. From the 16-year partnership foundation between China Eastern and Nestle, to Starbucks’ first inflight co-branded launch in China’s aviation channel, premium cabin passengers can now experience Starbucks’ classic Arabica coffee.”
David Hanson, Starbucks’ Global Channel Development Officer, said: “The collaboration announced last year between Starbucks and China Eastern opened a new experience where coffee and travel intertwine for consumers. This partnership is a testament to the complementary strengths of Starbucks, Nestle, and China Eastern. We are delighted to extend Starbucks’ human connection experience to 30,000 feet and bring it to China Eastern’s passengers.”
Photos: Starbucks
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.