Top Airlines in China: A Complete Guide

China operates the world’s second-largest aviation system with over 60 airlines serving passengers domestically and internationally. China Southern Airlines leads with 708 aircraft, followed closely by China Eastern with 620 planes.

This comprehensive guide covers every major operational airline in mainland China.

From state-owned giants to regional specialists, understanding the Chinese aviation sector helps navigate one of Asia’s most complex air travel networks.

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Table of Contents

• 1. Air China: The Flag Carrier

• 2. China Southern Airlines: Asia’s Largest Carrier

• 3. China Eastern Airlines: Shanghai’s Gateway

• 4. Hainan Airlines: Five-Star Service Provider

• 5. Sichuan Airlines: Western China Specialist

• 6. Shenzhen Airlines: Southern Gateway

• 7. XiamenAir: Fujian Province Leader

• 8. Shandong Airlines: Eastern Coastal Operator

• 9. Spring Airlines: China’s Low-Cost Pioneer

• 10. Tianjin Airlines: Northern Regional Carrier

• 11. Juneyao Airlines: Private Sector Competitor

• 12. Beijing Capital Airlines: Budget Alternative

• 13. Shanghai Airlines: China Eastern Subsidiary

• 14. China Express Airlines: Regional Connector

• 15. Loong Air: Hangzhou-Based Carrier

• 16. Chengdu Airlines: All-ARJ21 Fleet

• 17. China United Airlines: Beijing Daxing Focus

• 18. Lucky Air: Yunnan Specialist

• 19. Tibet Airlines: High-Altitude Operations

• 20. Qingdao Airlines: Shandong Coastal Service

• Additional Notable Carriers

• My Final Thoughts

1. Air China: The Flag Carrier

Air China serves as China’s national airline and flagship carrier, based at Beijing Capital International Airport. The carrier operates 498 aircraft and maintains membership in the Star Alliance network.

The airline recently announced new routes from Brussels to Beijing and Chengdu starting March 2026. Air China controls major subsidiaries, including Shenzhen Airlines and Air China Inner Mongolia.

2. China Southern Airlines: Asia’s Largest Carrier

China Southern Airlines operates the largest fleet among Asian carriers with 659 aircraft based in Guangzhou. The airline dominates domestic routes while expanding international service across Southeast Asia, Australia, and Europe.

According to recent data, China Southern operates 708 aircraft as of January 2026. The carrier added extra daily flights for peak travel periods from December 2025 through February 2026.

3. China Eastern Airlines: Shanghai’s Gateway

China Eastern Airlines operates from Shanghai as one of China’s “Big Three” carriers with 620 aircraft. The airline serves as a primary gateway between Asia and North America, with extensive domestic coverage.

The carrier maintains dual hubs at both Shanghai airports. China Eastern recently extended refund policies for Japan-related flights until March 28, 2026.

4. Hainan Airlines: Five-Star Service Provider

Hainan Airlines holds the distinction as mainland China’s only Skytrax 5-Star rated airline, operating 217 aircraft from its Haikou base. The carrier ranks #10 in the 2025 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Recent expansion includes new routes between Shenzhen and Vancouver, plus direct service connecting Haikou with Ho Chi Minh City. Hainan Airlines competes directly with Air China for European destinations including Brussels.

Key Service Standards:
- Premium cabin experiences
- Modern Boeing 787 fleet
- Extensive Asia-Pacific network
- Focus on customer satisfaction

5. Sichuan Airlines: Western China Specialist

Sichuan Airlines operates 203 aircraft from its Chengdu headquarters, specializing in western China connectivity. The carrier serves both Chengdu airports along with Chongqing and Kunming hubs.

The airline maintains strong presence in domestic routes while gradually expanding to Southeast Asian destinations. Sichuan Airlines operates primarily Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 family aircraft.

6. Shenzhen Airlines: Southern Gateway

Shenzhen Airlines operates 199 aircraft primarily from Shenzhen Baoan International Airport. As a subsidiary of Air China, the carrier focuses on domestic routes while expanding international service to Southeast Asia.

The airline maintains strong connections throughout southern China’s Pearl River Delta region. Shenzhen Airlines partners with Air China for codeshare operations and frequent flyer benefits.

7. XiamenAir: Fujian Province Leader

XiamenAir operates 166 aircraft from its primary base in Xiamen, with additional hubs in Fuzhou and Hangzhou. Founded in 1984, the airline serves as the primary carrier for Fujian Province.

The carrier maintains extensive domestic network coverage. XiamenAir operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft with plans for continued fleet modernization.

8. Shandong Airlines: Eastern Coastal Operator

Shandong Airlines operates 136 aircraft from Jinan and Qingdao airports. The carrier announced new direct international flights to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Kuala Lumpur starting January 2026.

Air China holds 51% ownership stake, making Shandong Airlines a strategic partner. The airline focuses on Shandong Province connectivity while expanding Southeast Asian routes.

2026 Network Expansion:
- Jinan to Hanoi (daily service)
- Jinan to Ho Chi Minh City
- Jinan to Kuala Lumpur
- Enhanced Vietnam and Malaysia coverage

9. Spring Airlines: China’s Low-Cost Pioneer

Spring Airlines operates 116 aircraft as China’s first and largest low-cost carrier. Based in Shanghai, the airline maintains a crash-free safety record with 7/7 rating from safety auditors.

The carrier pioneered no-frills service in China starting in 2005. Spring Airlines focuses on point-to-point domestic routes with select international destinations across Asia.

10. Tianjin Airlines: Northern Regional Carrier

Tianjin Airlines operates 105 aircraft from Tianjin Binhai International Airport. The carrier recently underwent restructuring with clearer ownership structure entering 2026.

The airline focuses on underserved regional markets in northern China. Tianjin Airlines plans to launch new long-haul routes including service to London.

11. Juneyao Airlines: Private Sector Competitor

Juneyao Airlines operates 99 aircraft from Shanghai as one of China’s successful privately-owned carriers. Founded in 2005, the airline holds a Skytrax 3-Star rating.

The carrier operates primarily Airbus A320 and Boeing 787 aircraft. Juneyao focuses on business routes connecting Shanghai with major Chinese cities and select international destinations.

12. Beijing Capital Airlines: Budget Alternative

Beijing Capital Airlines operates 90 aircraft from Qingdao Liuting International Airport. The low-cost carrier serves both domestic and international routes across Asia.

The airline recently established cargo operations at Prestwick, Scotland, becoming the third Chinese cargo carrier at that airport since May 2025.

13. Shanghai Airlines: China Eastern Subsidiary

Shanghai Airlines operates 85 aircraft as a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines. The carrier maintains its independent brand while integrating operations with its parent company.

Founded in 1985, Shanghai Airlines operates from both Shanghai airports. The airline serves domestic routes and select regional international destinations.

14. China Express Airlines: Regional Connector

China Express Airlines operates 72 aircraft focusing on regional connectivity from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport. The carrier specializes in serving smaller cities and connecting underserved markets.

According to recent data, China Express serves 132 domestic destinations and 1 international destination as of December 2025. The airline fills gaps in China’s secondary city network.

15. Loong Air: Hangzhou-Based Carrier

Loong Air operates 72 aircraft from Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport. The carrier provides both domestic and international service throughout Asia.

Flight data shows Loong Air serves 73 domestic destinations and 12 international destinations in 10 countries. The airline operates primarily Airbus A320 family aircraft.

16. Chengdu Airlines: All-ARJ21 Fleet

Chengdu Airlines operates 70 aircraft from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. The carrier specializes in operating domestically-produced ARJ21 regional jets.

The airline serves as the launch customer for China’s indigenous aircraft manufacturing program. Chengdu Airlines focuses on regional routes throughout western China.

17. China United Airlines: Beijing Daxing Focus

China United Airlines operates 56 aircraft exclusively from Beijing Daxing International Airport. The low-cost carrier concentrates operations at China’s newest major airport since 1986.

The airline serves domestic routes radiating from Beijing. China United Airlines operates as a budget alternative for Beijing travelers.

18. Lucky Air: Yunnan Specialist

Lucky Air operates 51 aircraft from Kunming Changshui International Airport. The low-cost carrier specializes in Yunnan Province connectivity and Southeast Asian routes.

The airline recently announced new service to Jakarta starting January 2026. Lucky Air connects Yunnan with neighboring countries including Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam.

Network Highlights:
- Kunming hub operations
- Southeast Asian focus
- Budget-friendly fares
- Regional connectivity

19. Tibet Airlines: High-Altitude Operations

Tibet Airlines operates 45 aircraft specializing in high-altitude airport operations from Lhasa Gonggar Airport and Chengdu Shuangliu. The carrier requires specially-equipped aircraft for Tibet’s thin air conditions.

The airline serves as the primary connection between Tibet and mainland China. Tibet Airlines operates routes that other carriers find operationally challenging due to altitude constraints.

20. Qingdao Airlines: Shandong Coastal Service

Qingdao Airlines operates 38 aircraft from Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport. The carrier focuses on coastal Shandong Province routes connecting with major Chinese cities.

The airline serves both business and leisure markets. Qingdao Airlines operates modern Boeing 737 aircraft throughout its network.

Additional Notable Carriers

Several other operational Chinese airlines serve specialized markets:

West Air operates 38 aircraft from Chongqing focusing on western China routes. The low-cost carrier received recognition in Skytrax’s 2025 Best Airlines in China rankings at #4 position.

Kunming Airlines operates 31 aircraft specializing in Yunnan Province connectivity from Kunming Changshui International Airport.

Chongqing Airlines operates 30 aircraft from Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport serving domestic routes.

Guangxi Beibu Gulf Airlines operates 28 aircraft from Nanning Wuxu International Airport focusing on southern China and Southeast Asian routes.

Hebei Airlines operates 27 aircraft from Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport serving northern China markets.

My Final Thoughts

China’s aviation sector demonstrates remarkable diversity with over 60 operational carriers serving different market segments.

The “Big Three” carriers (Air China, China Eastern, China Southern) dominate with combined fleets exceeding 1,700 aircraft, while specialized regional carriers fill crucial connectivity gaps.

Low-cost carriers like Spring Airlines and Lucky Air have successfully carved market share from legacy carriers. Regional specialists such as Tibet Airlines and Chengdu Airlines serve markets that major carriers cannot efficiently operate.

The Chinese aviation industry continues expanding international routes after pandemic recovery. New aircraft deliveries and route launches throughout 2026 signal sustained growth for both major and regional carriers.