Chengdu Airlines has emerged as a significant player in China’s dynamic aviation sector, particularly known for pioneering the use of domestically manufactured aircraft. This blog explores the airline’s journey, current operations, and future direction.
History: From United Eagle to Chengdu Airlines
Chengdu Airlines began as United Eagle Airlines Co., Ltd (also known as UEAir) in 2004, founded by a former executive of China Northwest Airlines with funding from the Vickers Financial Group. The carrier’s journey began with the delivery of its first Airbus A320, previously operated by Air Jamaica, on July 8, 2005, and commenced revenue flights on July 27 of that year.
The airline underwent a significant transformation in March 2009 when Sichuan Airlines invested 200 million RMB (approximately 30 million USD), acquiring a 76% stake in United Eagle Airlines. Later that same year, these shares were transferred to the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and Chengdu Communications Investment Group.
This change in ownership proved pivotal, as the airline subsequently placed a firm order for 30 COMAC ARJ21 aircraft, China’s first indigenously designed and manufactured regional jet. On January 23, 2010, the company was officially renamed Chengdu Airlines, reflecting its base in Chengdu, Sichuan Province.
A historic milestone was achieved on November 29, 2015, when Chengdu Airlines took delivery of the first COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft (registration B-3321), becoming the launch customer for this Chinese-manufactured regional jet. The ceremony in Shanghai marked a significant achievement for China’s aviation industry.
Fleet Information and Statistics
As of recent data, Chengdu Airlines operates a diverse fleet of approximately 80 aircraft, comprising:
- 33 Airbus A320 aircraft
- 10 Airbus A320neo aircraft
- 5 Airbus A321neo aircraft
- 4 Airbus A319 aircraft
- 28 COMAC ARJ21 aircraft
With its 70th aircraft delivered in May 2023, Chengdu Airlines ranked 14th among 44 Chinese domestic airlines in terms of fleet size. The airline’s position in China’s aviation market has steadily strengthened since its inception.
What truly distinguishes Chengdu Airlines is its role as the pioneer operator of the COMAC ARJ21. While Air China recently surpassed it with 29 ARJ21 aircraft, Chengdu Airlines remains the most experienced operator, having received a total of 37 ARJ21 aircraft from COMAC, including the 28 currently in its fleet. Some earlier models were returned to COMAC for testing purposes and further development.
The ARJ21 is a 78-95 seat regional jet powered by General Electric CF34-10A engines, specifically designed to serve regional routes within China. Chengdu Airlines has played a crucial role in demonstrating the operational viability of this aircraft in commercial service.
Network and Hubs
Chengdu Airlines operates as a domestic carrier within China, with its main hubs located at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport. Both airports serve Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province in southwestern China.
The airline has been expanding its footprint across China in recent years. In 2023, Chengdu Airlines launched ARJ21 operations in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, becoming the first operator to deploy Chinese-manufactured aircraft for commercial service in this northwestern province. This expansion included flights to five cities in Xinjiang: Aral, Korla, Yining, Hotan, and Shihezi, with Aral serving as the airline’s base in the region.
Notably, in October 2019, Chengdu Airlines scheduled the world’s first international route using the COMAC ARJ21, connecting the Chinese city of Harbin with Vladivostok, Russia. This milestone demonstrated the potential of Chinese-manufactured aircraft in international markets.
Quick Facts
- Founded: 2004 (as United Eagle Airlines)
- Renamed: January 23, 2010 (as Chengdu Airlines)
- Headquarters: Shuangliu, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Parent Company: Subsidiary of Sichuan Airlines
- IATA Code: EU
- ICAO Code: UEA
- Fleet Size: Approximately 80 aircraft
- First ARJ21 Delivery: November 29, 2015
- ARJ21 Fleet: One of the largest operators of China’s domestically produced regional jet
- Main Operation: Domestic scheduled passenger flights within China
Operational Performance
Chengdu Airlines has focused on optimizing its operations, particularly with the ARJ21 aircraft. According to data published by the airline in February 2023, key operational indicators for the ARJ21, including passenger occupancy rate, income per hour, and seat-kilometer revenue, have all achieved significant improvements. The average hourly income for ARJ21 operations reportedly exceeded 40,000 yuan (approximately 5,672 USD) for consecutive days, indicating growing efficiency in the deployment of these aircraft.
The airline continues to grow its passenger traffic as part of China’s expanding domestic aviation market. With strategic backing from COMAC and as a subsidiary of Sichuan Airlines, Chengdu Airlines maintains a stable position despite industry challenges.
Future Prospects
Chengdu Airlines’ future is intricately linked to the development of China’s domestic aircraft manufacturing industry. As of mid-2024, the airline has nearly completed its initial order for 30 ARJ21 aircraft, with only two aircraft remaining to be delivered. Whether Chengdu Airlines will place additional orders for the ARJ21 remains to be confirmed, but its extensive experience with the type positions it well for future expansion.
The ARJ21 program itself faces interesting challenges. With major Chinese carriers like Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern Airlines expected to complete their ARJ21 deliveries by 2025, COMAC urgently needs to find new orders or customers for the ARJ21 program to address potential overcapacity in production.
For Chengdu Airlines, the future likely holds continued growth in China’s domestic market. As the airline continues to mature its operations in regions like Xinjiang, there may be opportunities for new routes and expanded services. The airline is also well-positioned to potentially operate future Chinese-manufactured aircraft, including the larger COMAC C919.
As China pursues greater self-sufficiency in aviation, airlines like Chengdu that pioneer domestically produced aircraft serve as important showcases for these new products. The operational experience gathered by Chengdu Airlines provides valuable insights for further improvements to Chinese aircraft designs.
Contact Information
For passengers and partners needing to reach Chengdu Airlines:
General Inquiries and Reservations:
- Customer Service Hotline: +86 28 8888 6777
- Email: service@chengduair.com
Head Office:
- Chengdu Airlines Co., Ltd.
- Shuangliu International Airport
- Shuangliu District, Chengdu
- Sichuan Province, China
- Postal Code: 610202
Website:
Looking to the Future
Chengdu Airlines stands at an exciting juncture in its development. As China’s aviation market continues its rapid growth, the airline is well-positioned to expand its operations while maintaining its unique identity as a pioneer of domestically manufactured aircraft.
The coming years may present both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, three of China’s largest carriers—Air China, China Southern Airlines, and China Eastern Airlines—are now operating the ARJ21, potentially increasing competition. On the other hand, this broader adoption validates the aircraft type that Chengdu Airlines helped establish.
With China’s continued investment in aviation infrastructure, including the development of Chengdu as a major hub, Chengdu Airlines has substantial room for growth in its home market. The airline’s experience with the ARJ21 also positions it well to potentially become an early operator of future Chinese aircraft types.
As air travel in China recovers and grows post-pandemic, Chengdu Airlines’ blend of regional connectivity and pioneering spirit will likely continue to serve it well in the evolving Chinese aviation landscape. Whether through new routes, fleet expansion, or technological advancements, Chengdu Airlines represents the ambition and potential of Chinese aviation in the 21st century.
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