Loong Air, officially known as Zhejiang Changlong Airlines Co. Ltd, began its journey in the aviation industry under different circumstances than most carriers. The airline was initially established in 2011 as CDI Cargo Airlines, focusing exclusively on freight operations with its maiden cargo flight taking off on August 9, 2012. This initial phase saw the company operating with a single Boeing 737-300F freighter, building experience in China’s competitive air transportation market.
The transition from cargo to passenger services came in 2013 when the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) approved the company’s application to become a passenger airline. This pivotal development allowed the company to rebrand as Loong Air and expand into the passenger market. On December 29, 2013, Loong Air completed its inaugural passenger flight, connecting Hangzhou to Chongqing and marking the beginning of its new chapter.
The airline’s growth strategy became clear when in September 2013, just months before launching passenger operations, Loong Air signed a memorandum of understanding with Airbus for the purchase of 20 Airbus A320 aircraft. This significant order demonstrated the company’s serious ambitions to establish itself as a competitive player in China’s rapidly expanding aviation market.
Under the leadership of CEO Liu Qihong, Loong Air has navigated the challenging aviation landscape of China, gradually expanding its route network while maintaining its headquarters at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport in Zhejiang province. The airline’s name “Loong” (or “Long” in Chinese) refers to the Chinese dragon, symbolizing power, strength, and good fortune – attributes the airline aspires to embody in its operations.
Quick Facts
- Official Name: Zhejiang Changlong Airlines Co. Ltd.
- Brand Name: Loong Air (????)
- Former Name: CDI Cargo Airlines
- Established: 2011
- First Cargo Flight: August 9, 2012
- First Passenger Flight: December 29, 2013
- Headquarters: Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
- Main Hub: Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
- CEO: Liu Qihong
- IATA Code: GJ
- ICAO Code: CDC
- Business Model: Low-cost carrier with both passenger and cargo operations
- Number of Destinations: 88 (78 domestic, 10 international as of February 2025)
- Countries Served: 9
- Fleet Size: 63 aircraft
Fleet
Loong Air operates a diverse fleet that serves both its passenger and cargo operations. As of 2025, the airline’s fleet consists of 63 aircraft, primarily composed of Airbus narrow-body aircraft for passenger services and Boeing aircraft for cargo operations.
The passenger fleet is dominated by:
- Airbus A320-200: The backbone of Loong Air’s passenger operations, configured in single-class or two-class layouts
- Airbus A320neo: The newer, more fuel-efficient variant of the A320 family, offering improved range and performance
For cargo operations, Loong Air continues to utilize:
- Boeing 737-300F: Freighter aircraft dedicated to cargo services across China and neighboring countries
The airline has demonstrated interest in further fleet expansion and modernization. In addition to its initial order for 20 Airbus A320 family aircraft, Loong Air has a letter of intent with Airbus for the purchase of 20 A220s (formerly known as the Bombardier CSeries). This potential acquisition would further diversify the airline’s fleet and potentially allow it to serve smaller markets with the right-sized aircraft.
The airline’s commitment to a primarily Airbus fleet for passenger operations suggests a strategy focused on operational efficiency, maintenance streamlining, and crew training optimization. By standardizing its fleet around the A320 family, Loong Air can reduce operational complexity while maintaining flexibility in aircraft assignment across its network.
Hubs and Network
Loong Air’s operations are centered around its main hub at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) in Hangzhou, the capital city of Zhejiang Province. This strategic location allows the airline to serve the affluent Yangtze River Delta region, which includes major economic centers like Shanghai, Suzhou, and Nanjing.
As of February 2025, Loong Air serves an impressive network of 88 destinations across 9 countries, with 78 domestic and 10 international destinations. The airline’s route network is primarily focused on connecting Hangzhou with major cities throughout China, while gradually expanding its international presence.
Loong Air operates from 88 different airports, demonstrating the extensive reach of its network. The airline’s route strategy appears focused on connecting its Hangzhou hub to both major Chinese cities and popular tourist destinations across Asia, catering to both business and leisure travelers.
Services and Experience
As a low-cost carrier, Loong Air provides a streamlined service model that focuses on affordability while maintaining decent comfort standards. The airline primarily operates with Economy Class seating, though some aircraft feature a “Super Economy” class that offers additional legroom and increased baggage allowance.
Cabin baggage allowance is set at 5kg per passenger with maximum dimensions of 20 x 40 x 55 cm, while checked baggage allowances vary by class:
- Economy Class: 20kg included in the ticket price
- Super Economy Class: 30kg included in the ticket price
Loong Air’s cabin crew is easily recognizable by their distinctive uniforms, which feature combinations of pink and grey colors. Male flight attendants wear grey shirts with pink blazers and grey trousers, while female flight attendants wear either pink shirts with grey blazers or grey shirts with pink blazers, complemented by pink scarves and grey skirts.
The airline does not offer online check-in services, requiring passengers to complete airport check-in procedures. Check-in counters typically close between 45 to 30 minutes before scheduled departure time.
Contact Information
For passengers looking to get in touch with Loong Air, the airline maintains several communication channels, though its international presence in terms of customer service is still developing.
Headquarters: Loong Air (Zhejiang Changlong Airlines Co. Ltd) Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport Xiaoshan District Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province China
While the airline does not appear to offer comprehensive international customer service options, passengers can contact the airline through the following means:
- Airport Check-in Counters: Located at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport and other airports served by the airline
- Booking Partners: Various online travel agencies and booking platforms that sell Loong Air tickets
- Airport Information Desks: At airports where Loong Air operates
For international travelers, booking through established online travel agencies may provide additional support options in languages other than Chinese.
Future of Loong Air
Loong Air stands at an interesting crossroads in its development, with several factors likely to shape its future trajectory. While detailed public information about specific expansion plans is limited, several indicators suggest the direction the airline may take in the coming years.
The airline’s letter of intent for 20 Airbus A220 aircraft signals potential network expansion to smaller markets or increased frequency on existing routes. The A220’s favorable economics and passenger comfort could allow Loong Air to efficiently serve thinner routes while maintaining cost competitiveness.
Loong Air has shown progressive growth in its route network, expanding from its initial domestic focus to include international destinations across Asia. This gradual internationalization is likely to continue, with potential focus on tourism-heavy routes connecting Hangzhou and other Chinese cities to popular vacation destinations in Southeast Asia, Japan, and South Korea.
As a relatively young airline in a market dominated by the “Big Three” Chinese carriers (Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern), Loong Air faces both challenges and opportunities. Its regional focus and base in the economically vibrant Yangtze River Delta region provides a strong foundation for continued growth, particularly as secondary cities in China see increasing air travel demand.
The airline has also shown interest in modern training methods, becoming the first carrier to sign up for Airbus’s evidence-based pilot training scheme which uses operational and training data to tailor and adapt the training program. This commitment to advanced training methodologies suggests a forward-thinking approach to operational excellence and safety.
Loong Air’s development will inevitably be influenced by broader Chinese aviation policies, including the country’s ongoing airport infrastructure expansion and airspace liberalization efforts. As China continues to invest in aviation infrastructure and regional connectivity, airlines like Loong Air are well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for air travel among China’s expanding middle class.
While still considerably smaller than China’s major airlines, Loong Air has established itself as a significant regional player with a clear niche in the Chinese aviation landscape. Its continued expansion of both fleet and network, coupled with its strategic base in Hangzhou, suggests a promising future as China’s aviation market continues its long-term growth trajectory.
Keyword: TopAirlines