Flag Carrier & Global Network: Air China, as the national flag carrier, operates a global network with Beijing as its core hub and undertakes special national transport missions. Innovator & Domestic Jet Pioneer: China Eastern Airlines is the global launch customer for China’s homegrown C919 aircraft, leading in commercial operations of domestic jets and digital service innovation. Fleet Scale & Dual Hub: China Southern Airlines operates one of the largest fleets in Asia, utilizing Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing Airport as its dual hubs for extensive global coverage.
Air China: The National Flag Carrier and a Symbol of China
As China’s sole national flag carrier, Air China undertakes critical missions such as transporting state leaders and serves as a special representative of China’s image. Its brand value reached RMB 275.576 billion in 2025 according to World Brand Laboratory, consistently ranking among the world’s top brands for multiple consecutive years.
- Hub and Network: With Beijing as its primary hub, Air China has built a global route network. Through its membership in Star Alliance, its flights can reach over 1,100 destinations across more than 190 countries and regions.
- Latest Operational Data: As of June 2025, Air China (including its subsidiaries) operated a fleet of 934 aircraft, making it one of the world’s major aviation players. The company has shown recovery in financial performance, with continued improvement in operational metrics.
- Strategic Positioning: Air China is committed to becoming a “world-leading airline.” It holds controlling stakes in several carriers, including Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, and Air Macau, forming a strong cluster with competitive advantages.
China Eastern Airlines: A Pioneer in Commercial Operations of Domestic Aircraft
Headquartered in Shanghai, China Eastern Airlines is the core business of China Eastern Air Holding Company and the first Chinese airline to be listed in New York, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.
- Innovation and Breakthroughs: China Eastern is the global launch customer for the domestically developed C919 aircraft and currently operates 11 C919 aircraft as of September 2025, the largest C919 fleet in the world with orders totaling 105 aircraft. The airline plays a key role in advancing China’s aviation manufacturing sector. Additionally, it boasts China’s largest and most technologically advanced internet-equipped wide-body fleet and has introduced innovative services such as complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi on wide-body aircraft.
- Latest Operational Data: As of June 2025, China Eastern operated 816 aircraft, with Shanghai as its core hub and Xi’an and Kunming as regional hubs. Its network connects over 1,000 destinations worldwide, with an annual passenger capacity exceeding 140 million. The company has returned to profitability in the first three quarters of 2025, indicating a significant operational recovery.
- Strategic Positioning: As a member of SkyTeam, China Eastern is focused on building a new development pattern that integrates full-service aviation, innovative low-cost aviation, and air logistics.
China Southern Airlines: An Aviation Giant with Asia’s Leading Fleet Size
Headquartered in Guangzhou, China Southern Airlines Co., Ltd., the operating entity of China Southern Air Holding Company, operates one of the largest aircraft fleets and most extensive route networks in China.
- Scale and Layout: As of June 2025, China Southern operated a diverse fleet of 972 aircraft, including passenger and cargo planes, ranking among the largest in Asia. The company adopts a dual-hub strategy with Guangzhou and Beijing Daxing International Airport, while also developing Ürümqi as a western gateway hub, covering destinations across the globe.
- Latest Operational Data: In 2025, China Southern has maintained strong operational performance with robust domestic and international route networks. The airline has been consistently rated as the “Best Airline” in the Civil Aviation Service Evaluation (CAPSE) and ranks first in brand influence within the industry.
- Strategic Positioning: Guided by its vision to “become a world-class aviation transportation enterprise with global competitiveness,” China Southern is advancing digital transformation across its operations and ranks among the top global airlines in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) assessments.
In summary, while consolidating their respective hub advantages and steadily expanding their fleets, the three major airlines have developed distinct growth paths: Air China continues to strengthen its prestige and service quality as the national flag carrier; China Eastern actively pursues innovation in domestic aircraft operations and digital services; and China Southern leverages its extensive fleet and hub network to deliver accessible and reliable air travel. Together, they form a solid foundation for the stable development of China’s civil aviation industry and demonstrate formidable “Chinese strength” in global aviation competition.