https://www.scmp.com/rss/48931/feed China Southern Airlines is based in Guangzhou in Guangdong province in southern China. It was established in 1988 after a restructuring of the Civil Aviation Administration of China, and has grown since then through acquisitions and mergers to become one of China's "Big Three" airlines alongside Air China and China Eastern Airlines. It is a member of SkyTeam. 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two domestic airlines released notices on Wednesday about plans for sixfold surcharge increases, after another airline rescinded a similar notice on Tuesday.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 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 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings Surging jet fuel prices amid the US-Israel war on Iran are pushing global airlines including Chinese carriers to raise fares, with an industry leader warning that prices could rise by up to 9 per cent if the energy crisis continues. China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines and at least two private Chinese carriers are among a growing list of global airlines that have raised fares since US-Israeli strikes on Iran started on February 28. Global airfares could rise by 8 to 9 per cent if fuel... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347330/airfares-rise-china-and-beyond-amid-gulf-oil-shock-9-increases-feared?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3347330/airfares-rise-china-and-beyond-amid-gulf-oil-shock-9-increases-feared?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Mar 2026 03:00:08 +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 Ralph Jennings Ralph Jennings China’s travel industry is expecting a sharp increase in visitors to Australia during this month’s extended Lunar New Year holiday, as millions of tourists fan out across the world for a nine-day break. Industry insiders said the lure of wine, seafood, nature and flexible small-group itineraries was driving interest in the island country. Australia is projected to attract “the most travellers from China” during the break, with bookings likely to more than double over last year’s total, according... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3343560/great-barrier-reef-calling-chinese-tourists-make-australia-lunar-new-year-hotspot?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3343560/great-barrier-reef-calling-chinese-tourists-make-australia-lunar-new-year-hotspot?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:00:17 +0000 Frank Chen,Yeon Woo Lee Frank Chen,Yeon Woo Lee When the first cohort of elite foreign captains parachuted into Chinese airlines in the 2000s, their sky-high pay – sometimes reaching 1 million yuan a year – raised eyebrows among their Chinese counterparts. These hotshot aviators, with their international exposure and qualifications, enjoyed a stratospheric level of success in the burgeoning Chinese market. Facing a shortage of experienced pilots, Chinese carriers embraced them with open arms, granting generous benefits and speedy paths to... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342101/chinas-expat-pilots-arrived-red-carpet-now-theyre-taking-red-eye-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3342101/chinas-expat-pilots-arrived-red-carpet-now-theyre-taking-red-eye-out?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Feb 2026 22:00:08 +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 Luna Sun Luna Sun From ice castles in Harbin to ski resorts in Xinjiang and glaciers in Sichuan, China’s ice and snow destinations are seeing a sharp rise in foreign arrivals as the winter weather deepens, with visa rules easing and strong Southeast Asian demand driving triple-digit growth in inbound travel. Inbound bookings to China’s winter destinations have climbed close to 100 per cent year on year this season, with growth in Hebei province, the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region and the Inner Mongolia... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3339834/foreigners-flock-chinas-ice-and-snow-attractions-130-inbound-tourism-spike?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3339834/foreigners-flock-chinas-ice-and-snow-attractions-130-inbound-tourism-spike?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Jan 2026 08:00:12 +0000 Zoey Zhang Zoey Zhang A group of Chinese aunties led an impromptu qigong lesson at Cairo Airport, captivating fellow passengers and earning applause. On January 9, a Chinese tour group in Egypt was waiting for their flight to Aswan when the flight was delayed for more than five hours. Some middle-aged women, known in China as aunties, in the group, united by their love of dancing and travel, decided to pass the time and relieve fatigue with Baduanjin qigong. An auntie surnamed Chen told the mainland media outlet... https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3339973/china-aunties-teach-qigong-exercises-fellow-passengers-cairo-airport-during-flight-delay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/trending-china/article/3339973/china-aunties-teach-qigong-exercises-fellow-passengers-cairo-airport-during-flight-delay?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 21 Jan 2026 06:00:09 +0000 Frank Chen Frank Chen China has appointed its first female pilot to exclusively captain flights on its home-grown C919 jet, with more aspiring women waiting in the wings as the nation expands its talent pool and systemically transitions elite pilots who used to fly Boeing and Airbus jets to operate the narrowbody airliner. Yu Yue, who made a high-stakes switch from her decade-long career flying the US-made Boeing 737 to be a C919 captain this year, has become a source of inspiration for many in the country. According... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337431/soaring-top-china-appoints-first-female-captain-flights-home-grown-c919?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3337431/soaring-top-china-appoints-first-female-captain-flights-home-grown-c919?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 27 Dec 2025 06:00:09 +0000 Ann Cao Ann Cao Alibaba Group Holding is folding its mapping and navigation platform Amap into its Qwen artificial intelligence app, in a tie-up the company says will sharpen Qwen’s real-world “life services” just weeks after the app’s debut. The integration, announced on Thursday, lets Qwen users handle travel and lifestyle requests – from restaurant and hotel recommendations to route planning and turn-by-turn navigation – in a single conversational interface. Alibaba owns the South China Morning Post. Alibaba... https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336935/alibaba-deepens-ecosystem-push-qwen-amap-tie-routes-restaurants-and-hotels?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3336935/alibaba-deepens-ecosystem-push-qwen-amap-tie-routes-restaurants-and-hotels?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 18 Dec 2025 12:30:12 +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 SCMP SCMP Catch up on some of SCMP’s biggest China stories of the day. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. ‘It’s hard to succeed’: US firms in China report record pessimism amid tensions American companies doing business in China are more pessimistic about the next five years than ever before, in the face of rising geopolitical uncertainties, fierce competition and a chronic economic slowdown, according to findings by a prominent business chamber. 2. China’s... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3325072/us-firms-china-report-record-pessimism-brain-ai-unveiled-scmp-daily-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3325072/us-firms-china-report-record-pessimism-brain-ai-unveiled-scmp-daily-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 13:15:09 +0000 Meredith Chen Meredith Chen A routine China Southern Airlines flight from Guangdong province on Monday evening turned into a “terrifying” ordeal for passengers as the plane encountered severe turbulence, forcing it to be diverted. The plane was flying from Zhuhai to the city of Taiyuan in Shanxi province when it was diverted to Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport in Hebei province “due to thunderstorms” in Taiyuan, the airline said in a statement on Tuesday. “Many passengers were screaming,” a passenger surnamed... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3325031/i-was-terrified-passengers-recount-turbulence-forced-china-flight-divert?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3325031/i-was-terrified-passengers-recount-turbulence-forced-china-flight-divert?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:00:40 +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 Cannix Yau Cannix Yau British Airways remains committed to the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese markets despite reducing its service to the city and halting flights to Beijing, its customer chief has said, stressing that the carrier will revisit its schedules once geopolitical issues change. In an interview with the Post, chief customer officer Calum Laming emphasised that the airline had no intention of scaling back its presence in Hong Kong and on the mainland despite reduced services due to Russian airspace... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3322962/british-airways-committed-hong-kong-mainland-china-routes-customer-chief?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3322962/british-airways-committed-hong-kong-mainland-china-routes-customer-chief?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 24 Aug 2025 05:09:54 +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 SCMP SCMP We have selected seven stories from this week’s news across Hong Kong, mainland China, the wider Asia region and beyond that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider subscribing. 1. Most Chinese exporters to stay in Vietnam after US tariff deal, analysts say Chinese manufacturers in Vietnam breathed a sigh of relief on Wednesday, after Washington and Hanoi agreed a “better than expected” trade deal that will... https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3316785/china-reacts-us-vietnam-trade-deal-philippines-tourism-woes-scmps-7-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/3316785/china-reacts-us-vietnam-trade-deal-philippines-tourism-woes-scmps-7-highlights?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 04:15:08 +0000 Carl Zhang Carl Zhang Police in northeastern China are investigating the case of a China Southern Airlines captain who stabbed two of his colleagues before jumping to his death on Tuesday. The 31-year-old pilot, identified only by his surname Li, died after jumping out of a window in Changchun, Jilin province, according to a report released on Wednesday by the Erdao district branch of the Changchun Public Security Bureau. His colleagues were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening wounds, the report said, adding... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3316783/china-flight-safety-spotlight-after-pilot-jumps-death-over-workplace-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3316783/china-flight-safety-spotlight-after-pilot-jumps-death-over-workplace-dispute?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:25:21 +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 William Zheng William Zheng A China Southern Airlines flight from Hangzhou to Shenzhen was forced to return to the airport 15 minutes after take-off on Saturday after the crew found smoke coming from a passenger’s camera battery and power bank. According to a social media post by the airline, the camera batteries and power bank of a passenger on board flight CZ6850 started to produce smoke soon after taking off. “The crew handled it properly and quickly eliminated the safety risk. To ensure safety, the flight immediately... https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3312593/china-flight-turns-back-after-smoke-found-coming-camera-battery-power-bank?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3312593/china-flight-turns-back-after-smoke-found-coming-camera-battery-power-bank?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 May 2025 10:23:09 +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 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 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 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 Weak demand linked to choke points in the Chinese economy has prompted airlines to plan cuts in their China-Philippine flights for the final three months of the year, according to analysts. And they say geopolitical friction between the two Asian countries is also playing a role in deterring travel that would help airlines prosper. AirAsia Philippines, China Southern Airlines and Qingdao Airlines have all indicated intentions to halt some of their flights in the fourth quarter, according to the... https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3278736/china-philippine-flights-get-wings-clipped-amid-low-demand-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/global-economy/article/3278736/china-philippine-flights-get-wings-clipped-amid-low-demand-geopolitics?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Sep 2024 23:00:14 +0000 China’s home-grown C919 passenger jet is set to mark a production milestone, with its manufacturer on the verge of delivering the narrowbody aircraft to three major carriers for the first time in the same month in August. The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (Comac) is poised to make a first delivery of the Chinese alternative to the bestselling narrowbody jets by Airbus and Boeing to Air China and China Southern Airlines on Wednesday, on top of having continued to fill orders from China... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3276063/chinas-c919-passenger-jet-spreads-its-wings-delivery-milestone-3-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3276063/chinas-c919-passenger-jet-spreads-its-wings-delivery-milestone-3-carriers?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 27 Aug 2024 05:24:36 +0000 After an on-the-ground check of China’s home-grown C919 passenger jet by European Union regulators last month in Shanghai, the country’s civil aviation authorities have become more optimistic about receiving EU certification for the plane in 2025, according to a source with knowledge of the process. “The delegation from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) gave positive feedback,” said the person. One essential task for European technicians during their visit was to operate and... https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3273736/chinas-c919-edges-closer-eu-landing-regulators-give-positive-feedback?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/economy/china-economy/article/3273736/chinas-c919-edges-closer-eu-landing-regulators-give-positive-feedback?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Aug 2024 23:00:08 +0000 Hong Kong’s Airport Authority has offered a subsidy carrot of up to HK$7 million (US$897,000) a year to airlines that launch a new daily route as part of a bid to fill up extra capacity created by a third runway. Chapman Fong Shui-man, the authority’s deputy director of operations, on Tuesday explained the incentive was part of a two-pronged plan designed to encourage airlines to add new destinations and increase the number of long-haul routes as the airport prepared to open its three-runway... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3270688/hk7-million-payouts-offer-airlines-hong-kong-airport-bids-fill-new-runway-slots?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3270688/hk7-million-payouts-offer-airlines-hong-kong-airport-bids-fill-new-runway-slots?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 16 Jul 2024 11:26:08 +0000 Haining Gao Haining Gao \ https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3264867/comac-c919-marks-year-its-maiden-flight?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/plus/article/3264867/comac-c919-marks-year-its-maiden-flight?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 31 May 2024 07:49:41 +0000