Airline aims global with foreign crew addition

For Peter Barbagallo, it was a major decision to move to Shanghai with his family to join China Eastern Airlines two years ago. Now, he said he is very proud of being a foreign pilot with the airline, and plans to live in Shanghai for as long as possible.

Coming from Brisbane in Australia, Barbagallo said there are a lot of differences working with the Shanghai-based carrier compared with his previous airlines in the Middle East.

"My local colleagues are friendlier, more welcoming, collaborative and inclusive ... We are like a family here. I am not a staff member ...I am Peter Barbagallo," said the 37-year-old pilot who currently flies between 70 and 80 hours a month. Most of his flights are domestic ones.