Spring Airlines has established itself as China’s first and most successful low-cost carrier, known for its distinctive green livery and commitment to making air travel accessible to the expanding Chinese middle class. From its humble beginnings to becoming a dominant force in Chinese aviation, Spring Airlines has transformed travel patterns across China and beyond, connecting underserved markets while maintaining a relentless focus on cost efficiency and operational reliability.
Travel Agency Origins: The History of Spring Airlines
Spring Airlines’ story begins not in the skies but on the ground, with its parent company Shanghai Spring International Travel Service. Founded in 1981 by entrepreneur Wang Zhenghua, the travel agency was established partly to address youth employment challenges in China during the early reform era. Over the following decades, Shanghai Spring Tour grew to become one of China’s largest private travel services.
Recognizing the potential for affordable air travel in China’s rapidly growing economy, Wang Zhenghua decided to establish the country’s first low-cost carrier. Spring Airlines received approval to be established on May 26, 2004, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Chinese aviation. The airline took delivery of its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 (formerly operated by Lotus Air), on July 12, 2005, at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
Spring Airlines commenced operations on July 18, 2005, with its inaugural flight connecting Shanghai to Yantai. Daily flights to Guilin were also initiated shortly thereafter, marking the beginning of what would become an extensive domestic network. From the outset, Spring Airlines embraced the low-cost carrier model that had proven successful in other markets, offering bare-bones base fares with additional services available for purchase.
Unlike many of its global low-cost counterparts, Spring Airlines had a unique sales approach from the beginning. It became the first airline in China to operate without joining the TravelSky booking system (China’s dominant airline reservation platform) or using traditional ticket agents. Instead, Spring pioneered direct online sales through its own website, a revolutionary approach in China at the time.
The airline achieved profitability within its first year of operations, validating its business model in a market traditionally dominated by state-owned carriers. As China’s middle class grew, so did the demand for affordable air travel, and Spring Airlines was well-positioned to capture this emerging market segment.
A significant milestone in Spring Airlines’ history came in late July 2009 when the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China granted the airline approval to establish international routes, making it the first Chinese budget carrier to explore the international market. The airline planned routes linking mainland Chinese cities to Hong Kong and Macau, as well as neighboring countries such as Japan, South Korea, Cambodia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Spring Airlines launched its first international route on July 29, 2010, connecting Shanghai to Japan’s Ibaraki Airport, located approximately 80 kilometers northeast of Tokyo. This was followed by service to Hong Kong in September 2010 and Macau in April 2011, marking the beginning of Spring’s international expansion.
In 2012, Spring Airlines established a Japanese subsidiary, Spring Airlines Japan, further extending its reach in the important Japanese market. This subsidiary operates with its own fleet and serves routes between China and Japan, including key destinations like Tokyo and Osaka.
Spring Airlines completed its initial public offering on the Shanghai Stock Exchange in January 2015, providing capital for continued fleet expansion and network growth. The listing made Spring one of the few private airlines traded on Chinese stock exchanges, further cementing its position as a pioneer in the country’s aviation sector.
Throughout its history, Spring Airlines has maintained a consistent focus on cost control, operational efficiency, and making air travel accessible to a broader segment of Chinese society. This approach has enabled the airline to democratize aviation in China, transforming what was once considered a luxury into an affordable transportation option for millions of Chinese citizens.
By the Numbers: Spring Airlines Stats
Spring Airlines’ position as China’s leading low-cost carrier is reflected in these impressive statistics:
- Fleet of 129 aircraft with an average age of just 4.8 years
- Serves over 100 destinations across China and internationally
- Operates approximately 300 flights daily
- Carries around 10 million passengers annually
- Network of over 180 domestic routes
- Serves more than 30 international and regional routes in Asia
- Consistently achieves load factors averaging about 90%
- Typically offers fares around 30% lower than market price on the same routes
- Employees numbering in the thousands across its operations
- Listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange since January 2015
- Achieved 3 million hours of safe flight operations
- Operates through numerous bases across China and Asia
Quick Facts About Spring Airlines
- Headquarters: Homeyo Hotel, Changning District, Shanghai, China
- Main Bases: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, Shanghai Pudong International Airport
- IATA Code: 9C
- ICAO Code: CQH
- Call Sign: “Spring”
- Founded in 2004, commenced operations in July 2005
- Fully owned by Shanghai Spring International Travel Service
- Chinese name “Chunqiu Airlines” (????) literally means “Spring and Autumn Airlines”
- First private airline in China to earn the CAAC’s top safety award
- Recognized with the “Three-Star Flight Safety Award”
- Operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet
- First Chinese low-cost carrier to operate international routes
- Pioneered direct online ticket sales in China
- Distinctive green livery with a triple spiral logo (triskelion)
- Known for innovative cost-saving measures, including standing seats proposals
- Parent company founded in 1981 as a travel agency
- First private carrier in China to explore international markets
- Slogan: “Making flying affordable for Chinese people”
Hub Cities: Spring Airlines’ Major Operations
Spring Airlines operates using a multi-base system across China:
- Shanghai – Dual-hub operation using both Hongqiao International Airport (primarily domestic) and Pudong International Airport (mixed domestic and international)
- Shijiazhuang – Important northern China base with dedicated operations
- Shenyang – Northeastern China hub serving the populous Dongbei region
- Shenzhen – Southern China base serving the Greater Bay Area
- Yangzhou – Regional base in Jiangsu Province
- Ningbo – Eastern China base serving Zhejiang Province
- Lanzhou – Northwestern base serving Gansu Province
- Xi’an – Central China base in historic Shaanxi Province
- Chengdu – Southwestern China base in Sichuan Province
- Dalian – Northeastern coastal city base
- Nanchang – Base serving Jiangxi Province
- Jieyang – Base serving eastern Guangdong Province
- International bases including Tokyo and Osaka (Japan), Bangkok (Thailand), and Jeju (South Korea)
In October 2018, Spring Airlines officially established its Hebei branch, which was the airline’s first branch company structure, indicating a shift in its organizational approach to regional expansion. The strategic positioning of these bases allows Spring Airlines to efficiently cover China’s vast territory while limiting aircraft positioning costs and maximizing utilization.
Spring’s presence at both of Shanghai’s airports is particularly strategic – Hongqiao provides convenient access to the city center and domestic connections, while Pudong serves as the gateway for most international operations. This dual-hub approach in its home city maximizes Spring’s market reach in China’s largest metropolitan area.
Fleet and Service
Spring Airlines operates a uniform fleet consisting exclusively of Airbus A320 family aircraft, providing operational efficiencies and consistency in training and maintenance.
The backbone of Spring Airlines’ fleet is the Airbus A320 family, with the airline operating:
- Airbus A320ceo (current engine option)
- Airbus A320neo (new engine option)
- Airbus A321neo (for high-density routes)
This streamlined fleet approach allows Spring to maintain low operating costs through standardized training, maintenance procedures, and spare parts inventory. The airline’s A320neo and A321neo aircraft represent the latest generation of fuel-efficient narrowbody aircraft, further reducing operating costs and environmental impact.
Spring Airlines configures its aircraft in a single-class, high-density layout designed to maximize revenue while keeping base fares low. The standard seating typically features:
- 180-186 seats on A320 aircraft
- Up to 240 seats on A321neo aircraft
- Reduced seat pitch compared to full-service carriers
- Limited recline to maximize passenger capacity
Spring Airlines’ service philosophy centers around its no-frills approach:
- Base fares cover only transportation (no complimentary meals or drinks)
- Even water is not provided free of charge, a controversial policy when introduced
- Carry-on bags, checked luggage, seat selection available for additional fees
- All onboard food and beverages available for purchase
- Baggage restrictions more stringent than full-service carriers
- Option to pre-purchase various service bundles
The airline offers a range of ancillary products and services for passengers:
- Hotel accommodations
- Scenic attraction tickets
- Baggage upgrades
- Onboard meal pre-ordering
- Seat selection options
- Visa services
- Car rentals and airport transfers
This unbundled approach allows price-sensitive travelers to pay only for the services they value while keeping base fares extraordinarily low – often comparable to long-distance bus or train fares for the same routes. This strategy has been particularly effective in stimulating new air travel demand among China’s growing middle class.
Market Evolution and Social Impact
Spring Airlines has played a transformative role in China’s transportation landscape, fundamentally changing how millions of people travel throughout the country and region.
The airline emerged at a pivotal time in China’s economic development. As the country’s middle class expanded rapidly in the early 2000s, there was growing demand for affordable travel options. Traditional state-owned airlines primarily targeted business travelers and higher-income segments, leaving a significant gap in the market for budget-conscious travelers.
Spring’s entry into the market introduced genuine price competition in an industry that had previously seen limited fare differentiation. By offering substantially lower base fares, Spring Airlines made air travel accessible to segments of Chinese society that had previously relied on long-distance trains or buses for intercity travel.
The democratization of air travel facilitated by Spring Airlines has had profound social impacts across China:
- Enabling family reunification during important festivals like Chinese New Year
- Facilitating access to educational opportunities in major cities
- Supporting domestic tourism to emerging destinations
- Enabling business development in previously underserved regional centers
- Providing affordable options for migrant workers to visit hometown regions
Spring Airlines has been particularly successful in stimulating demand in markets with limited or no previous commercial air service. By introducing routes to secondary and tertiary cities at affordable price points, the airline has unlocked latent demand and created entirely new air travel markets.
The airline’s innovative approaches to cost reduction have sometimes generated controversy but have also sparked industry-wide discussions about efficiency. For instance, in 2009, Spring Airlines proposed “standing seats” for short-haul flights to further reduce costs, though regulatory approvals were never granted. Such proposals, while not implemented, demonstrated Spring’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking in air transportation.
Spring’s success has also inspired other private airlines in China, contributing to a gradual diversification of the country’s aviation landscape beyond the traditional state-owned carriers. This increased competition has benefited consumers through expanded choices and improved service quality across the industry.
Operational Excellence and Sustainability
Spring Airlines has distinguished itself through operational reliability and efficiency metrics that rank among the best in the Asian low-cost carrier segment.
The airline has received multiple safety accolades, including being the first private airline in China to earn the Civil Aviation Administration of China’s top safety award. In 2023, Spring Airlines achieved 3 million hours of safe flight operations and was honored with the “Three-Star Flight Safety Award,” reflecting its commitment to operational excellence despite the cost-focused business model.
Spring Airlines has implemented comprehensive digitalization initiatives across its operation, including:
- Industry-leading online direct sales channels
- Mobile application with self-service capabilities
- Automated check-in systems
- Self-service baggage drop facilities
- Paperless boarding processes
The airline was a pioneer in adopting digital-first approaches in China, becoming the first Chinese airline to start operations without joining the traditional TravelSky booking system, instead relying primarily on its own website for ticket sales. This direct distribution strategy has allowed Spring to maintain control over its sales channels while reducing distribution costs.
In 2018, Spring Airlines became one of the first airlines in China to use a comprehensive airport self-service system at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport’s Terminal 1, offering automated processes for check-in, baggage drop, security clearance, and boarding for domestic flights. This digital transformation enhances operational efficiency while improving the passenger experience through reduced wait times.
Environmental sustainability has become an increasingly important focus area for Spring Airlines, with initiatives including:
- Fleet modernization with fuel-efficient A320neo and A321neo aircraft
- Operational procedures that minimize fuel consumption
- Weight reduction initiatives to improve efficiency
- Digital transformation reducing paper consumption
- Optimized flight planning for environmental performance
The airline’s young, efficient fleet gives it a competitive advantage in addressing environmental concerns, with its neo-generation aircraft producing significantly lower emissions per passenger than older aircraft operated by some competitors or traditional ground transportation for equivalent journeys.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
In recent years, Spring Airlines has navigated significant challenges while continuing to implement strategic initiatives for long-term growth and sustainability.
The airline has accelerated its fleet modernization program, prioritizing the induction of Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft that offer improved fuel efficiency and range capabilities. These next-generation aircraft enable Spring to further reduce its already low cost base while exploring new market opportunities beyond the range of its original fleet.
Spring Airlines has continued expanding its international footprint, particularly in Northeast and Southeast Asia. The airline has added new routes to countries including Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, and Cambodia, capitalizing on growing outbound tourism from China while also attracting inbound visitors to Chinese destinations.
The establishment of Spring Airlines Japan has provided the company with a foothold in one of Asia’s most developed aviation markets, allowing it to build local brand recognition and capture traffic flows between China and Japan from both directions. This subsidiary operates with its own aircraft and crew under Japanese regulations while maintaining close coordination with the parent airline.
In 2018, Spring Airlines officially established its Hebei branch, marking a new approach to regional expansion through formalized branch structures rather than simply operating bases. This organizational evolution reflects the airline’s growing maturity and preparation for more complex operations across China’s vast territory.
The airline has enhanced its digital capabilities, improving both passenger-facing applications and internal operational systems. In 2018, Spring became one of the first airlines in China to fully implement self-service processes at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology for improved efficiency and passenger experience.
Spring Airlines has been developing its ancillary revenue strategy, introducing new optional services and personalized bundles for passengers willing to pay for enhanced convenience. This approach allows Spring to maintain its core ultra-low-cost positioning while capturing additional revenue from more service-sensitive segments.
Looking Ahead
As Spring Airlines navigates the evolving aviation landscape, the airline faces both challenges and opportunities. Competition in the Chinese market continues to intensify, with both state-owned carriers and new entrants targeting similar passenger segments.
Spring’s positioning as China’s original and largest low-cost carrier with an extensive domestic network provides distinctive advantages in this competitive environment. The airline’s established brand recognition, operational experience, and cost leadership represent significant assets as it moves forward.
China’s growing middle class and increasing propensity for travel offer natural growth opportunities for Spring Airlines. The country’s favorable demographics – with hundreds of millions of potential new travelers gaining disposable income – align well with the airline’s target market and digital-first approach.
Infrastructure constraints represent a significant challenge, particularly at major hubs like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. However, Spring’s multi-base strategy and presence at secondary airports provide some insulation from these constraints while offering opportunities to develop underserved markets.
Environmental considerations will increasingly shape Spring Airlines’ strategy, with pressure from both regulators and consumers to reduce aviation’s carbon footprint. The airline’s fleet modernization program and operational efficiency initiatives provide a foundation for addressing these challenges.
From its founding vision of democratizing air travel to its current position as China’s preeminent low-cost carrier, Spring Airlines’ journey demonstrates how innovative business models and clear strategic positioning can transform an entire industry. As it looks to the future, China’s green-liveried pioneer seems positioned to continue connecting the world’s most populous country while making the freedom of flight accessible to ever more passengers through its commitment to affordable fares and operational excellence.
Keyword: TopAirlines