https://www.scmp.com/rss/33542/feed Air China is the flag carrier and one of the major airlines of the People's Republic of China. Based in Beijing it is one of the world’s largest airlines in terms of fleet size. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Frank Chen Frank Chen From controlling the weight of aircraft to sending more flights to Europe via Russian airspace, Chinese airlines have adopted a range of measures in response to the surge in oil prices resulting from the Middle East conflict that threatens to crimp their razor-thin margins. A number of carriers, including China Eastern Airlines, have been enforcing more precise and complex cost management measures in recent weeks to save fuel, according to industry insiders. They include stricter load and weight... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348919/chinese-airlines-shed-weight-add-flights-over-russia-trim-fuel-costs-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348919/chinese-airlines-shed-weight-add-flights-over-russia-trim-fuel-costs-amid-iran-war?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Apr 2026 07:02:09 +0000 Xinyi Wu Xinyi Wu Chinese airlines are mulling the introduction of higher fuel surcharges, as authorities strive to balance the impact of surging oil prices with the need to preserve airline margins and at the same time avoid dampening consumer demand. Although a formal announcement from the national regulator is pending, at least two domestic airlines released notices on Wednesday about plans for sixfold surcharge increases, after another airline rescinded a similar notice on Tuesday. According to notices put... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348653/eyes-chinese-airline-regulator-it-seeks-difficult-balance-fuel-surcharge-rises?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348653/eyes-chinese-airline-regulator-it-seeks-difficult-balance-fuel-surcharge-rises?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 22:00:19 +0000 Vanessa Cai Vanessa Cai China’s flagship airline resumed direct flight services to Pyongyang on Monday, a symbolic and logistical development that marks warming bilateral ties and comes just weeks after passenger train services were restored for the first time in six years. The Air China flight arrived at Pyongyang Sunan International Airport on Monday morning. China’s ambassador to North Korea, Wang Yajun, and other embassy diplomats welcomed passengers at the airport, according to Chinese state news agency... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348370/china-steps-north-korea-connections-regular-beijing-pyongyang-flights-resume?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3348370/china-steps-north-korea-connections-regular-beijing-pyongyang-flights-resume?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 07:09:20 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Shandong Airlines, a subsidiary of flagship carrier Air China, has announced plans to lease 10 Boeing 737 aircraft, signalling China’s continued demand for the American jets as it looks to refresh an ageing fleet. The airline will pay a total fee of 2.88 billion yuan (US$405 million), with the aircraft to be delivered in batches over the coming two years, according to a notice Air China issued to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Thursday. The deals include 10-year leases for three Boeing 737-800... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348170/air-china-subsidiary-lease-10-boeing-jets-deals-worth-about-us400-million?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3348170/air-china-subsidiary-lease-10-boeing-jets-deals-worth-about-us400-million?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 14:00:09 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings China’s airlines are expected to add nearly 2,900 more China-Europe flights to their summer schedules compared with last year, analysts said, as the US-Israel war on Iran hands them an even greater competitive advantage over other global carriers. Unlike many Western airlines, Chinese carriers can fly directly through Russian airspace to Europe rather than taking a lengthy detour, allowing them to offer quicker flights, save on fuel and avoid sending planes over the Middle East. The number of... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347994/chinas-airlines-add-2900-flights-europe-russia-access-pays-dividends?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347994/chinas-airlines-add-2900-flights-europe-russia-access-pays-dividends?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 02:00:11 +0000 Orange Wang Orange Wang China’s national flag carrier is set to run direct passenger flights to North Korea for the first time in six years later this month, the latest sign of warming ties between the two neighbours. The official app of Air China, one of the country’s largest state-owned airlines, shows bookings have opened for direct flights between Beijing and Pyongyang starting on March 30. The service appears to be weekly for now, with bookings available only on Mondays. Based on current listings, initial economy... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346590/air-china-resume-north-korea-flights-after-6-years-amid-warming-ties?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3346590/air-china-resume-north-korea-flights-after-6-years-amid-warming-ties?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Mar 2026 11:00:54 +0000 Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Harvey Kong,Edith Lin Conglomerate Swire Pacific has sold part of its stake in Hong Kong flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.8 billion (US$230.8 million) to raise working capital. In a rare move, the group revealed on Friday that it had sold 153.05 million shares at HK$11.74 each the previous day. This was a 9.6 per cent discount to the last traded price on Thursday of HK$12.99 per share. Swire is the latest shareholder to reduce its stake in Cathay, following a sale by Air China in January for HK$1.32... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3346425/swire-sells-part-cathay-pacific-stake-hk18-billion-boost-working-capital?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 13 Mar 2026 00:40:00 +0000 Zhu Wenqian Zhu Wenqian With major Persian Gulf aviation hubs largely paralysed by airspace closures amid the escalating conflict involving the US, Israel and Iran, travellers have flocked to direct Asia-Europe routes, driving a sharp surge in airfares. This week, economy class on most direct one-way Beijing-Paris flights is fully booked, with a small number of economy seats – plus premium economy and business class seats – remaining. Economy seats on an Air China flight on Sunday are already booked out, with a one-way... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345379/how-persian-gulf-turmoil-reshaping-europe-asia-aviation-landscape?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3345379/how-persian-gulf-turmoil-reshaping-europe-asia-aviation-landscape?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Mar 2026 07:00:26 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji Airspace closures across the Middle East have left tens of thousands of travellers stranded and forced airlines to divert routes, threatening to derail the fragile recovery in Asia’s tourism and aviation sectors, as the conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran continues to escalate. Major transit hubs, including Dubai and Doha, remain shut or are operating at reduced capacity for a third straight day, upending Europe–Asia connections that depend heavily on Gulf airspace. Airlines are... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3345150/asias-travel-sector-rattled-iran-attacks-fears-domino-effect-slowdown?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/economics/article/3345150/asias-travel-sector-rattled-iran-attacks-fears-domino-effect-slowdown?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:53:17 +0000 Brian Rhoads,Neil Denslow Brian Rhoads,Neil Denslow Oil prices rose by the most in four years amid the US-Israeli war on Iran and the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global crude supplies. Brent crude, the global benchmark, surged as much as 14 per cent to more than US$82 per barrel, the highest since January 2025, according to data compiled by Bloomberg. Shipowners and traders are largely avoiding the Strait of Hormuz that links the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, which usually handles about 20 per cent of... https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/global-economy/article/3345132/china-faces-oil-squeeze-after-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/economy/global-economy/article/3345132/china-faces-oil-squeeze-after-us-israel-strikes-iran?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:03:33 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is revving up the design and testing phase of its widebody C929 airliner, marshalling its resources and mobilising its stakeholders to roll out the indigenous jet on schedule – or, potentially, ahead of earlier estimates. Specialists from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) have proactively involved themselves in the C929’s development, the South China Morning Post has learned, with personnel from the national regulator assessing... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342069/chinas-widebody-c929-could-arrive-early-revved-development-plan-sources?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342069/chinas-widebody-c929-could-arrive-early-revved-development-plan-sources?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:08 +0000 Cao Jiaxuan Cao Jiaxuan The foreign ministry in Beijing has urged citizens to avoid travelling to Japan ahead of Lunar New Year as the row over Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s November comments about Taiwan rumbles on. A statement issued on Monday said: “With the Lunar New Year approaching, the foreign ministry and the Chinese embassy in Tokyo urge citizens to avoid travelling to Japan and advise those already there to stay alert to crime and disaster warnings. “In recent weeks, public security in Japan has... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3341284/china-issues-new-japan-travel-warning-row-over-takaichis-taiwan-comments-rumbles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3341284/china-issues-new-japan-travel-warning-row-over-takaichis-taiwan-comments-rumbles?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:31:50 +0000 Oscar Liu Oscar Liu Air China has sold part of its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways for HK$1.32 billion (US$167 million), but the Hong Kong carrier’s CEO has said the move will not affect the mainland airline’s role as a strategic shareholder. Cathay Group CEO Ronald Lam Siu-por said on Tuesday that the sale of a 1.6 per cent stake in the company was a “tactical” move, as he unveiled events marking the carrier’s 80th anniversary. “I believe and understand that this is only tactical. Air China will remain our... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338869/air-chinas-hk132-billion-cathay-stake-sale-tactical-hong-kong-carrier-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3338869/air-chinas-hk132-billion-cathay-stake-sale-tactical-hong-kong-carrier-ceo-says?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 06 Jan 2026 06:06:38 +0000 Xiaofei Xu Xiaofei Xu European aviation giant Airbus won another two major orders from Chinese clients for a total of 90 A320neo aircraft on Tuesday, just a day after receiving orders for 55 passenger jets of the same model from two other Chinese airlines. Also on Tuesday, China Express Airlines announced it was purchasing three A320 planes at a list price of between US$390 million and US$420 million. The orders came weeks after Airbus’ CEO accompanied French President Emmanuel Macron on a state visit to China and... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338237/airbus-scores-major-win-china-orders-145-a320-aircraft?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3338237/airbus-scores-major-win-china-orders-145-a320-aircraft?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 31 Dec 2025 03:01:27 +0000 Zhao Ziwen Zhao Ziwen Flight cancellations continue to disrupt travel between China and Japan heading into the holiday season amid deepening tensions between the two neighbours. Flights across 46 routes, including to popular tourism destinations, have been cancelled over the next two weeks, according to Flight Manager, an app developed by Shenzhen-based Huo Li Tian Hui Technology. A total of 38 airports across the two countries will be affected, the app shows. The widespread cancellations overlap with the New Year... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3337360/holiday-travellers-hit-amid-china-japan-tension-flights-cancelled-46-routes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3337360/holiday-travellers-hit-amid-china-japan-tension-flights-cancelled-46-routes?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:41:15 +0000 Dannie Peng Dannie Peng The growth rate of Chinese tourists to Japan significantly slowed in November, according to official data released by Tokyo, as Beijing cut flights and issued travel warnings amid rising tensions with Japan over Taiwan. According to the latest report released by the Japan National Tourism Organization on Wednesday, although Chinese tourists continued to visit Japan in November and the numbers kept growing, it was at a much slower pace than before, both year on year and month on month. In... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3336834/chinese-tourist-arrivals-japan-lose-momentum-amid-simmering-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3336834/chinese-tourist-arrivals-japan-lose-momentum-amid-simmering-tensions?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 17 Dec 2025 19:08:48 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen China’s airlines are encountering severe turbulence over their growing use of extra charges like seat selection fees, as passengers, state media and a consumer protection watchdog slam the practice as a violation of customers’ rights. The controversy reflects the difficulties Chinese airlines face as they try to strike a delicate balance between profitability and service quality, with an industry insider cautioning that companies may not be able to scrap extra fees completely. Seat selection... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3336222/chinas-airlines-hot-seat-over-hidden-extra-fees-watchdog-steps?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3336222/chinas-airlines-hot-seat-over-hidden-extra-fees-watchdog-steps?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 13 Dec 2025 10:00:18 +0000 Vanessa Cai Vanessa Cai Major Chinese airlines have extended their offer of full refunds for flights to Japan for another three months, as the heated diplomatic row between Beijing and Tokyo shows no signs of easing. On Friday, Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – the country’s largest state-owned carriers – along with several others, including Hainan Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Spring Airlines and Xiamen Airlines, issued statements allowing free ticket refunds or itinerary changes for... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3335410/major-chinese-airlines-extend-full-refund-offers-japan-bound-flights-3-months?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3335410/major-chinese-airlines-extend-full-refund-offers-japan-bound-flights-3-months?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:50:29 +0000 Ralph Jennings,He Huifeng Ralph Jennings,He Huifeng As a political dispute between Beijing and Tokyo continues to inflame relations, Chinese media reports indicate some domestic airlines have cancelled flights on 12 of their routes to Japan – including paths to popular tourism destinations Kyoto and Osaka – with analysts predicting cancellations to rise within the week. As of Monday morning, flights on these routes had been put on hold, according to a report from financial news outlet Yicai that cited Chinese aviation data platform DAST. Domestic... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3333975/chinese-airlines-cancel-flights-12-japan-routes-tensions-continue-rise?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3333975/chinese-airlines-cancel-flights-12-japan-routes-tensions-continue-rise?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:00:13 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Greater Bay Airlines has become the first Hong Kong carrier to explicitly offer refunds for Japan-bound flights following Beijing’s travel warning to Chinese citizens. The announcement on Thursday came a day after the city’s flag carrier Cathay Pacific Airways and its budget arm said they would provide flexible arrangements for passengers in the wake of Beijing’s call. The airline said it would offer flexible arrangements for customers who had bought tickets on or before November 15 and were... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333576/hong-kongs-greater-bay-airlines-leads-way-refunds-amid-japan-travel-alerts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333576/hong-kongs-greater-bay-airlines-leads-way-refunds-amid-japan-travel-alerts?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 20 Nov 2025 11:50:06 +0000 Lo Hoi-ying Lo Hoi-ying A Hong Kong travel agency has seen a 20 per cent drop in inquiries and sign-ups for its Japan tours, while Cathay Pacific Airways is allowing travellers to “modify” their flights to the country after Beijing’s earlier call for Chinese citizens to avoid going. Yuen Chun-ning, CEO of travel agency WWPKG, also said on Wednesday that a few customers had asked if they could withdraw from tour packages to the country, a decision that he attributed to “psychological factors”. But he noted that Japan... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333388/cathay-pacific-will-allow-hong-kong-travellers-modify-flights-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3333388/cathay-pacific-will-allow-hong-kong-travellers-modify-flights-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 19 Nov 2025 07:40:28 +0000 Vanessa Cai Vanessa Cai Chinese tourists and students have expressed mixed reactions to Beijing’s travel and education advisories on Japan amid a spiralling diplomatic clash, with some downplaying the concerns as a peak travel season approaches. Tensions escalated following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks earlier this month that suggested Tokyo could deploy its military forces in the event of a conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Beijing has reacted with anger, including summoning the Japanese ambassador to... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3333125/chinas-travel-warnings-japan-evoke-mixed-reactions-home?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3333125/chinas-travel-warnings-japan-evoke-mixed-reactions-home?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:01:44 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Chinese airlines have recorded about 491,000 cancellations of tickets to Japan since Saturday – roughly 32 per cent of their total bookings to the typically popular destination – after Beijing advised citizens to avoid travelling there amid a diplomatic spat, according to a veteran aviation analyst. The percentage of flights affected skyrocketed to 82.14 per cent on Sunday and 75.6 per cent on Monday, according to independent analyst Li Hanming, citing his research data covering all mainland... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3333106/491000-japan-bound-air-tickets-cancelled-china-warns-people-avoid-travel-amid-spat?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3333106/491000-japan-bound-air-tickets-cancelled-china-warns-people-avoid-travel-amid-spat?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:32:07 +0000 Fiona Sun Fiona Sun Hong Kong authorities have urged residents to exercise caution and prioritise personal safety in Japan, citing a rise in attacks against Chinese citizens in the country. The appeal from the Security Bureau on Saturday was issued a day after Beijing told Chinese citizens to avoid travel to Japan. “Since mid-2025, there has been an increasing trend of attack incidents against Chinese citizens in Japan,” an updated travel alert by the bureau said. “The government reminds Hong Kong residents who... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332934/hong-kong-issues-japan-travel-warning-citing-rise-attacks-chinese-citizens?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3332934/hong-kong-issues-japan-travel-warning-citing-rise-attacks-chinese-citizens?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 15 Nov 2025 11:20:31 +0000 Kandy Wong Kandy Wong The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will add the yuan to the settlement currencies available to airlines and aviation suppliers through the industry association’s clearing house, a move bolstering China’s efforts to promote the internationalisation of its currency. Yuan settlements will be available from next month following the completion of a trial period, the association said in a statement issued on Wednesday, with domestic carriers China Southern Airlines and Xiamen Airlines... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3331728/yuan-internationalisation-efforts-uplifted-airlines-add-currency-settlement-options?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3331728/yuan-internationalisation-efforts-uplifted-airlines-add-currency-settlement-options?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 06 Nov 2025 07:30:09 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings China’s biggest airlines have started offering free Wi-fi to passengers on a growing number of domestic flights, as they vie to win back business travellers who now often prefer to shuttle between cities on high-speed trains. China Eastern Airlines on October 11 launched a free “basic” Wi-fi service on all its widebody aircraft operating on domestic routes, said a company representative who spoke anonymously per company rules. The planes cover a total of 37 routes serving major Chinese cities... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3329419/chinese-airline-offers-free-wi-fi-lure-back-travellers-high-speed-trains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3329419/chinese-airline-offers-free-wi-fi-lure-back-travellers-high-speed-trains?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 19 Oct 2025 02:00:09 +0000 Laura Zhou Laura Zhou An Air China flight from Hangzhou to Seoul was forced to make an emergency landing in Shanghai on Saturday after a lithium battery caught fire in the plane’s cabin. In a statement on social media, Air China confirmed the incident. “On October 18, on flight CA139 from Hangzhou to Incheon, a lithium battery in a passenger’s carry-on luggage stored in the overhead compartment spontaneously ignited,” the airline said. The crew handled the situation quickly and no one was injured, it added. “To... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3329521/battery-fire-aboard-air-china-flight-south-korea-forces-emergency-landing?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3329521/battery-fire-aboard-air-china-flight-south-korea-forces-emergency-landing?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 18 Oct 2025 10:30:22 +0000 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau The United States and Hong Kong face a lose-lose scenario if global travellers are forced to pay higher airfares over the proposed barring of Cathay Pacific Airways from flying over Russian airspace to the east coast of North America, analysts have warned. Wednesday’s warning followed calls by United Airlines for the Trump administration to ban Hong Kong’s flag carrier from flying over Russia for routes between the US and the city in a bid to force Cathay Pacific to align with other... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329298/us-hong-kong-lose-lose-scenario-if-cathay-added-planned-russian-airspace-ban?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3329298/us-hong-kong-lose-lose-scenario-if-cathay-added-planned-russian-airspace-ban?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 17 Oct 2025 00:30:09 +0000 Alice Li Alice Li All major Chinese airlines operating flights to the United States have formally opposed or asked for reconsideration of a US government proposal that could bar them from flying over Russian airspace on US routes as early as next month. In a filing to the US Department of Transportation on Tuesday, Air China said it “opposes” the proposal because it would make travel more inconvenient for passengers. “Air China estimates that at least 4,400 passengers holding Air China tickets for travel in... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3329182/chinese-airlines-formally-oppose-us-plan-stop-them-flying-over-russia-way-america?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3329182/chinese-airlines-formally-oppose-us-plan-stop-them-flying-over-russia-way-america?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 16 Oct 2025 03:00:15 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen Beijing on Friday criticised the Trump administration’s proposal to ban Chinese airlines from using Russian airspace on US routes, warning that Washington’s policies could hurt American businesses. US transport regulators proposed the ban on Thursday in a bid to eliminate what they described as an unfair advantage enjoyed by Chinese carriers flying shorter, cheaper routes via Russia. The Chinese foreign ministry said such restrictions would be detrimental to people-to-people exchanges with the... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3328585/china-hits-out-us-proposal-ban-chinese-carriers-russian-airspace?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3328585/china-hits-out-us-proposal-ban-chinese-carriers-russian-airspace?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Oct 2025 11:45:16 +0000 Reuters Reuters The Trump administration on Thursday proposed banning Chinese airlines from flying over Russia on flights to and from the United States, saying the practice puts American carriers at a disadvantage. US airlines have long criticised the decision to allow Chinese carriers to fly over Russia on some flights because it gives them the advantage of decreased flying time and lower fuel consumption. Russia has barred US airlines and other foreign carriers from flying over its airspace in retaliation for... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3328443/trump-admin-proposes-barring-chinese-airlines-flying-over-russia-us-flights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3328443/trump-admin-proposes-barring-chinese-airlines-flying-over-russia-us-flights?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 09 Oct 2025 22:26:42 +0000 Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings The delivery delays appearing to hit China’s C919 – the home-grown narrowbody jet intended to compete with leading Western models – may lead some domestic carriers to consider more orders with US aerospace giant Boeing, industry insiders said. With financial reports from major airlines suggesting C919 units have not been arriving as scheduled, manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) may lose a share of its home market to its American rival, they said, despite the safety... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327787/chinas-c919-jet-facing-order-delays-boeing-waiting-wings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327787/chinas-c919-jet-facing-order-delays-boeing-waiting-wings?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 03 Oct 2025 15:00:08 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Deliveries of China’s first narrowbody passenger jet to the top three domestic airlines could be falling behind schedule, according to company financial reports, raising market speculation regarding potential disruptions to the model’s engine supply. Air China and China Eastern Airlines received one C919 aircraft each in the first half of the year despite their stated goals of adding 10 apiece in 2025, according to the reports. China Southern Airlines’ reports said the carrier expects 12 of the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327021/orders-chinas-c919-jet-could-face-delays-over-engine-supply-snags?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3327021/orders-chinas-c919-jet-could-face-delays-over-engine-supply-snags?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 29 Sep 2025 02:00:20 +0000 Biman Mukherji Biman Mukherji India and China’s planned resumption of direct flights after five years is expected to revive tourism and business travel between the two regional powers and potentially boost neighbouring economies, raising hopes of a thaw in relations after years of economic and security friction. Flights between the two countries were halted during the pandemic in 2020 and, except for a few repatriation flights, never resumed even after New Delhi and Beijing lifted Covid-19 travel restrictions. Bilateral... https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3323400/direct-india-china-flights-take-again-opening-door-travel-boom?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3323400/direct-india-china-flights-take-again-opening-door-travel-boom?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:13 +0000 Meredith Chen,Carl Zhang Meredith Chen,Carl Zhang Two Chinese planes were involved in a near miss in Russian airspace earlier this month in an incident that has sparked fresh concerns over aviation safety. Recordings of the pilots’ discussions with air traffic control suggest that an Air China passenger plane made an unexpected manoeuvre that put it on a potential collision course with an SF Airlines cargo plane. The manoeuvre had not been requested by air traffic control and the reason why the plane did this is yet to be explained. However,... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3318181/chinese-planes-have-near-miss-after-air-china-flight-makes-unexplained-change-height?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3318181/chinese-planes-have-near-miss-after-air-china-flight-makes-unexplained-change-height?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 14 Jul 2025 12:30:10 +0000 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings China is expected to sustain production of its home-grown aircraft and expand access to foreign skies, following the United States’ removal of a ban on selling American jet engine parts and technology to Chinese buyers. But analysts cautioned that earlier export restrictions imposed by the Trump administration had a chilling effect – one that could harden Beijing’s resolve to accelerate the development of indigenous engines and other critical components. Sales resumed last week after a bilateral... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3317198/china-us-jet-engine-deal-boost-c919-production-comacs-eu-market-ambitions-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3317198/china-us-jet-engine-deal-boost-c919-production-comacs-eu-market-ambitions-analysts?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:00:13 +0000 Tang Meng Kit Tang Meng Kit China’s development of its first widebody passenger jet represents its ambition to compete globally. But lifting the C929 off the ground will require more than just advanced engineering. Supply chain resilience, talent development and global trust will determine if the programme can truly fly. The home-grown C929, developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) and expected to carry up to 440 passengers with a range of 12,000km, is looking to rival the Airbus A350 and Boeing... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3315986/rival-boeing-and-airbus-chinas-c929-needs-more-top-engineering?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/china-opinion/article/3315986/rival-boeing-and-airbus-chinas-c929-needs-more-top-engineering?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Jun 2025 21:30:08 +0000 Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings Frank Chen,Ralph Jennings Western airlines risk suffering greater disruption than their Chinese rivals this summer, as the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel – compounded by US military strikes – forces most carriers to avoid flying over dangerous airspace on China-Europe routes. Analysts said that while almost all carriers have diverted services to bypass Iran and parts of the Middle East, Western firms are at a disadvantage: they remain barred from Russian airspace, which Chinese companies continue to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3315605/iran-israel-war-why-chinas-airlines-may-face-less-turbulence-western-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3315605/iran-israel-war-why-chinas-airlines-may-face-less-turbulence-western-rivals?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Jun 2025 05:59:53 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen More passengers shuttling between China’s two biggest cities are choosing to hop on a bullet train rather than a flight, as airlines struggle to match the convenience offered by the country’s ultra-modern high-speed rail network. The shift to rail has become so pronounced on the busy Beijing-Shanghai route that China’s air travel industry has warned its market is being “eroded”, with airlines scrambling to lure back customers with cheaper tickets and free limousine services. Passengers made more... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3311483/chinas-airlines-raise-alarm-travellers-ditch-planes-bullet-trains?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3311483/chinas-airlines-raise-alarm-travellers-ditch-planes-bullet-trains?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 04:00:08 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen The C919, China’s indigenous narrowbody airliner that epitomises Beijing’s sky-high tech aspirations, will enter its third year of commercial operations next week – a feat marked by ratcheted-up services and an expanding network. And in the lead-up to the anniversary, China’s southern economic and tech powerhouse of Shenzhen, along with the popular tourist city of Xiamen in southeastern Fujian province, have become the latest additions to the C919’s network since last week, bringing the total... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3311040/chinas-c919-network-spans-16-cities-2-year-mark-reflects-reliability?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3311040/chinas-c919-network-spans-16-cities-2-year-mark-reflects-reliability?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 May 2025 01:00:08 +0000 China’s leading aircraft manufacturer plans a further 50 per cent boost to production capacity for the C919 – the country’s first home-grown narrowbody jet – this year as it ramps up the challenge to the Boeing-Airbus duopoly in the domestic market, according to information shared with suppliers at a conference in Xian this week. Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) said it will increase production capacity to 75 planes – up from the 50 it announced in January – according to a WeChat... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3303361/comac-ramps-challenge-boeing-and-airbus-plans-boost-c919-production-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3303361/comac-ramps-challenge-boeing-and-airbus-plans-boost-c919-production-capacity?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:30:07 +0000 A dedicated fund for state capital grants to supercharge breakthroughs in China’s aircraft-technology research will soon accept applications and identify recipients, as Beijing builds on the momentum of home-grown jets such as the C919 to develop domestic aviation solutions and components. The fund, established by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and National Natural Science Foundation in June, will bankroll “large aircraft” research programmes focusing on basic,... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3294861/applicants-wanted-chinas-c919-benefit-beijing-bankrolls-large-aircraft-research?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3294861/applicants-wanted-chinas-c919-benefit-beijing-bankrolls-large-aircraft-research?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 15 Jan 2025 11:00:20 +0000 Some Chinese carriers appear to be avoiding the airspace over southwestern Russia after a deadly Azerbaijan Airlines crash that officials in Baku have blamed on the Russian military. China is among the few countries still using Russian airspace for civilian flights since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, flights between western China’s Urumqi and Georgian capital Tbilisi have circumvented southwest Russia’s Dagestan region since an Azerbaijan Airlines... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3293198/air-china-china-southern-appear-avoid-south-russia-after-deadly-azerbaijani-crash?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/military/article/3293198/air-china-china-southern-appear-avoid-south-russia-after-deadly-azerbaijani-crash?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 02 Jan 2025 14:30:08 +0000 After years of fits, starts and setbacks, an aircraft that is made in China has begun to spread its wings in earnest. On New Year’s Day, China Eastern Airlines launched the first commercial C919 route outside the mainland with a flight linking Shanghai and Hong Kong. Amid the fanfare, Secretary for Transport and Logistics Mable Chan hailed Wednesday’s return flight as “historic”. It is a welcome development for China’s aviation industry, which struggled for decades to produce a home-grown... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3293074/chinas-c919-aims-spread-wings-further-after-historic-hong-kong-service?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/article/3293074/chinas-c919-aims-spread-wings-further-after-historic-hong-kong-service?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:15:07 +0000 China’s first home-grown passenger jet, the C919, is now serving 10 major cities across the country as domestic airlines move swiftly to deploy the new aircraft. The aircraft, seen as a symbol of China’s achievements in tech and advanced manufacturing, also hit a new milestone on Thursday, carrying a total of 1 million passengers since its maiden commercial flight in May 2023. The rapid roll-out will be a key test for the C919 as it strives to prove itself a reliable alternative to Boeing and... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3291727/chinas-c919-jet-faces-crunch-test-its-network-rapidly-expands?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3291727/chinas-c919-jet-faces-crunch-test-its-network-rapidly-expands?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:09 +0000 Airlines from China and Canada began adding back regular direct flights this week, connecting Toronto and Vancouver with four Chinese cities following a deal between aviation regulators that is expected to ease demand. At least five airlines would increase their frequencies within the next two months, the Chinese aviation regulator has said via state-backed media outlets since October 30, connecting two of Canada’s major cities with Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Hainan Airlines led... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3286394/china-canada-direct-flights-surge-meet-demand-talks-yield-results?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3286394/china-canada-direct-flights-surge-meet-demand-talks-yield-results?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:30:09 +0000 1. Car attack leaves 35 dead, 43 injured as driver ploughs into crowd outside stadium in China The 62-year-old suspect is in hospital after mowing down people exercising outside a stadium in Zhuhai, southern China, in an SUV. Reports suggest the motive was linked to personal grievances connected to a divorce dispute. 2. Trump China strategy to see Elon Musk, billionaires lead backchannel diplomacy with Beijing President-elect Donald Trump is expected to leverage rich US business leaders for... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3286322/zhuhai-car-attack-tragedy-sees-35-die-trump-taps-billionaires-china-diplomacy-toraji-threatens-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3286322/zhuhai-car-attack-tragedy-sees-35-die-trump-taps-billionaires-china-diplomacy-toraji-threatens-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Nov 2024 03:16:00 +0000 China’s largest aircraft manufacturer had a banner day at the opening of the country’s pre-eminent air show, as flag carrier Air China signed a preliminary agreement to buy the company’s yet-unseen widebody jet and a slew of orders came in for the narrowbody models already flying commercial routes. The deal, finalised on Tuesday at the China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, marked a milestone in Beijing’s quest to break into an industry dominated by two Western... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3286255/chinas-widebody-c929-jet-lands-first-buyer-top-flight-zhuhai-air-show?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3286255/chinas-widebody-c929-jet-lands-first-buyer-top-flight-zhuhai-air-show?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Nov 2024 11:00:02 +0000 International flights to and from China are expected to grow by nearly 31 per cent year on year between late October and March, with Asian destinations and Chinese carriers leading the way, industry data shows. One Canadian airline also expanded so abruptly that it caught the attention of the foreign ministry in Beijing. One-way flights to and from China are anticipated to soar by nearly 40,000 to 168,871 from late October to March compared to a year earlier, according to data compiled by... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3284803/chinas-international-flights-reach-new-heights-led-domestic-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3284803/chinas-international-flights-reach-new-heights-led-domestic-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 23:00:11 +0000 Mia Castagnone Mia Castagnone Airfares in China will continue to fall until the end of the year, as the travel off season begins and carriers grapple with tepid domestic consumption, HSBC said. The addition of more routes and economic uncertainty on the mainland will put pressure on airlines to cut prices, according to an HSBC global research report dated October 31. Prices peaked in early October, around China’s weeklong National Day holiday. Alipay, a Chinese mobile payment service operated by Ant Group, reported a surge... https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3284784/now-good-time-buy-cheap-plane-ticket-china-hsbc-tells-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3284784/now-good-time-buy-cheap-plane-ticket-china-hsbc-tells-travellers?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:00:13 +0000