China Eastern Airlines Yuanhang Graduate Pilot Cadet Program – Second Intake (Shanghai)

✈️ About the programme

China Eastern Airlines is inviting applications for the second intake of its Yuanhang Graduate Pilot Cadet Program in Shanghai. This is a company-sponsored pathway for high-potential graduates to become professional airline pilots, combining paid flight training at approved domestic or overseas schools with structured development inside our Shanghai headquarters.

• Company-funded, bond-backed flight training at assigned schools (domestic or overseas)
• Integrated theory and practical flying, progressing to Second Officer technical level
• Rotations across related operational units to build end-to-end airline insight

🧭 Your training journey

• Complete approved flight theory and practical training at designated schools
• Obtain the required flying qualifications and progress to Second Officer level
• Participate in flight operations and cross-functional rotations within related units
• Undertake supervised projects to develop combined flight and operational expertise
• Pass programme assessments and complete the prescribed exit process

🧰 Eligibility & requirements

• Nationality & commitment: Chinese nationality; support national policies, comply with the Constitution and laws of China; dedicated to a career in civil aviation.
• Graduation timeframe:
  • 2027 domestic bachelor’s or master’s graduates: graduation between 1 Aug 2026 and 31 Jul 2027
  • 2027 overseas bachelor’s or master’s graduates: graduation between 1 Jan 2026 and 31 Jul 2027
  • Doctoral graduates: domestic graduation after 1 Aug 2023; overseas graduation after 1 Jan 2023
• Age limits (per advertised cutoffs):
  • Bachelor’s: no older than 24 (born after 1 Jan 2002)
  • Master’s: no older than 27 (born after 1 Jan 1999)
  • Doctoral: no older than 35 (born after 1 Jan 1991)
• English proficiency: CET-6 or equivalent (TEM-4, IELTS 6.0, or TOEFL 80)
• Height: Men 173–190 cm; Women 165–175 cm (inclusive)
• Vision standards: Refraction between -4.50D and +3.00D; astigmatism ≤2.00D; anisometropia ≤2.50D; no color blindness, color weakness, night blindness, strabismus, glaucoma, or restricted eye movement
• Post-refractive surgery: Minimum 90-day observation; must meet all vision criteria, including preoperative refraction limits
• Physical standards: BMI 18.5–24 (inclusive); must meet Class I aviation medical and pilot-recruitment medical standards
• Background & conduct: Must pass background checks; previously grounded student pilots are not accepted
• Preferred majors: Science, engineering, medicine, or related disciplines

🌟 Rewards & development

• Salary and applicable employee benefits after joining
• Company-funded flight training under a signed training agreement (other costs per school rules are borne by trainees)
• Paid attendance at assigned domestic or overseas flight schools
• Assignment to relevant units within China Eastern’s Shanghai headquarters
• Where eligible under programme rules, trainees who exit for medical, technical, or non-personal background reasons may be considered for suitable ground roles

📨 How to apply

Submit your application before the deadline. Early applications are encouraged due to assessment and placement scheduling.

Deadline reminder: 31 December 2026 at 23:59 (China time).