China Eastern's Worldskills-Themed Jet Makes Maiden Shanghai-Beijing Flight

A China Eastern Airlines jet, wrapped in exclusive WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 livery, completed its maiden flight from Shanghai to Beijing on Monday.

Serving as an aerial ambassador for the 48th WorldSkills Competition, the themed aircraft sends a warm invitation from Shanghai to global audiences, ahead of the world's largest and most prestigious vocational skills event. The competition will be held in Shanghai from September 22 to 27.

The Airbus A330-200 is decorated with 3D geometric patterns adopting the event's signature blue, green, yellow and orange hues. Its front fuselage is printed with official mascots Nengneng and Qiaoqiao, designed based on Shanghai's landmark Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Symbolizing master craftsmen, the two mascots pose with open arms and thumbs-up gestures, showcasing Shanghai's hospitality and tribute to fine craftsmanship worldwide.

WorldSkills branding can be seen throughout the cabin, including custom commemorative tickets, branded headrest covers, luggage rack and tray table stickers. In-flight broadcasts also share key information about the upcoming competition, bringing passengers an immersive WorldSkills cultural experience.

The maiden flight was staffed by two elite cabin crew members, Chen Yifan and Wu Jiani. Both are former WorldSkills competitors, who claimed medallions in the Restaurant Service event at the 44th and 45th WorldSkills Competitions, respectively. Their awards marked China's first-ever medals in this competition category.

During the launch event, China Eastern was named a National Strategic Partner and Official Air Carrier for WorldSkills Shanghai 2026. As the event's top-tier sponsor, the Shanghai-based airline will deliver full-spectrum support covering aircraft painting, passenger transportation, etiquette services, brand promotion and overall event preparation.

The themed jet will act as a flying business card for the competition, spreading the event's core slogan – Master Skills, Change Your Future – across the globe.

China Eastern joins a roster of leading domestic corporate strategic partners, including ICBC, Bank of Communications, SAIC Motor, BOSS Zhipin, Agricultural Bank of China and Ant Group.

The competition has so far drawn over 300 prospective sponsors, with more than 140 enterprises in ongoing contract negotiations. Its growing partner network comprises long-serving international sponsors and outstanding Chinese local enterprises, which bring state-of-the-art equipment, smart technologies and high-quality services to support the event.

These partners provide all-round support covering financial services, intelligent event operation, vehicle support, catering and staff uniforms. Their participation fully demonstrates China's latest progress in vocational skill training and industrial development.

Francis Hourant, president of WorldSkills International, said the competition in Shanghai is expected to see 500,000 visitors, the highest number in the event's history.

"WorldSklls is not only a competition, it's also an event to speak about the TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) system all around the world. And for us, this is the right place to do it," he said.

"We expect to have a very good competition, but also with the conference, we hope that the ministers, the industry leaders, makers and so on can discuss together (how) to create a big coalition for the TVET system."

He stressed that it is critical to equip young people with greater talent, professional competence and practical skills to boost their employability.

"If they have a job, they live in dignity; if people live in dignity, it's a big chance for peace."