Shenzhen Airlines
China · SHENZHEN AIR · Active
Airline Identity
History
Shenzhen Airlines was founded in 1992 as a joint venture between the Shenzhen municipal government and Air China, launching operations from the newly developed Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport in China's booming Special Economic Zone. Over the following two decades it grew steadily as a major regional Chinese carrier, expanding its domestic network across the country and gradually adding international routes to Southeast Asia and beyond. Air China consolidated a controlling stake in the carrier, and Shenzhen Airlines joined Star Alliance in November 2012, becoming one of only two Chinese member airlines in the alliance alongside Air China itself. The airline has continued to grow its widebody-capable network from its Shenzhen base while remaining a subsidiary within the Air China Group structure.
Current Operations
Shenzhen Airlines operates a large, predominantly Boeing narrowbody fleet of well over 200 aircraft, complemented by a smaller number of widebody jets, serving an extensive domestic Chinese network alongside a growing slate of international routes to Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and beyond from its main hub at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. As a Star Alliance member and Air China Group subsidiary, it maintains close codeshare and network coordination with Air China and other group carriers. In recent years the airline has continued expanding regional international connectivity from southern China, including new long-haul and Middle East links, reflecting Shenzhen's role as a major aviation gateway in the Greater Bay Area.
Last verified 2026-08-22· Source: airline public disclosures, company press releases & aviation-industry reporting.