Alibaba Qwen Opens AI Services to External Partners, China Eastern Airlines First to Integrate

Gate News message, April 23 — Alibaba announced the opening of its Qwen AI assistant's "AI Services" capabilities to external partners on April 23. China Eastern Airlines became the first company outside Alibaba's ecosystem to integrate the technology, launching an end-to-end AI flight booking service.

Users can now direct the AI to select options such as "affordable direct flights" or "spacious seats with scenic views." Alibaba Qwen Business Unit President Wu Jia stated that the China Eastern partnership marks Qwen's first step beyond Alibaba's internal ecosystem, representing a genuine opening to external cooperation.