22. Xiamen Airlines

Xiamen Airlines

Xiamen Airlines: China’s Blue-Sky Journey

Xiamen Airlines has established itself as a distinctive carrier in the Chinese aviation landscape, known for its all-Boeing fleet, exceptional safety record, and commitment to quality service. With its iconic blue livery representing the clear skies of its coastal home city, Xiamen Airlines has grown from a regional operator to an internationally recognized airline serving destinations across Asia and beyond.

Coastal Beginnings: The History of Xiamen Airlines

Xiamen Airlines was founded on July 25, 1984, as China’s first airline jointly owned by the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and a local government. The airline began operations in 1985 with two Boeing 737-200 aircraft serving domestic routes from its base in Xiamen, a coastal city in Fujian Province facing the Taiwan Strait.

The airline’s early development was closely tied to China’s economic reforms and opening-up policy of the 1980s. Xiamen, designated as one of China’s first Special Economic Zones, needed improved transportation links to support its growing trade and business activities, making the establishment of a local airline a strategic priority.

China Southern Airlines became the majority shareholder in 1996, acquiring a 60% stake in Xiamen Airlines. Despite this ownership change, Xiamen Airlines has maintained its distinct identity and operational independence, continuing to operate under its own brand and management structure.

A significant milestone in the airline’s history came in 2006 when it joined the SkyTeam global airline alliance, becoming the first Chinese regional airline to join a major global alliance. This move expanded Xiamen Airlines’ reach through codeshare agreements with partner airlines and enhanced its international profile.

The airline launched its first intercontinental service in July 2015 with flights between Xiamen and Amsterdam, marking its entry into the European market. This was followed by expansion to North America with service to Vancouver in 2016 and Los Angeles in 2017, establishing Xiamen Airlines as a truly global carrier.

Throughout its growth, Xiamen Airlines has maintained an impressive safety record, achieving over 30 years of safe operations without any major incidents or accidents, a remarkable achievement in the aviation industry and a source of pride for the carrier.

Most recently, Xiamen Airlines has committed to sustainability initiatives, including fleet modernization and fuel efficiency programs, positioning itself as an environmentally conscious carrier in the rapidly evolving Chinese aviation market.

By the Numbers: Xiamen Airlines Stats

Xiamen Airlines’ position in the Chinese aviation market is reflected in these impressive statistics:

  • Serves over 100 destinations across China, Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia
  • Operates approximately 400 daily flights
  • Fleet of more than 200 aircraft
  • Employs over 20,000 staff members
  • Carries approximately 40 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic)
  • Ranked among the top 10 airlines in China by passenger volume
  • Egret Miles loyalty program with millions of members
  • Maintains a remarkable safety record of over 30 years without accidents
  • Holds approximately 6% of domestic market share in China
  • Member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance

Quick Facts About Xiamen Airlines

  • Headquarters: Xiamen, Fujian Province, China
  • Main Hub: Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN)
  • Secondary Hubs: Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC), Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
  • IATA Code: MF
  • ICAO Code: CXA
  • Call Sign: “Xiamen Air”
  • Founded in 1984 as China’s first jointly-owned airline
  • Majority owned by China Southern Airlines Group (approximately 55%)
  • Operates an all-Boeing fleet
  • Known for its striking blue livery representing the sky and sea
  • Member of SkyTeam Alliance since 2012
  • First Chinese airline to use the Boeing 737 MAX 10
  • Recipient of the “China’s Most Extraordinary Airline” award multiple times
  • Known for high service standards and operational excellence
  • Commitment to sustainable development with modern fuel-efficient fleet
  • Plans to expand international network with focus on key global business hubs

Hub Cities: Xiamen Airlines’ Major Operations

Xiamen Airlines operates from several key hubs across southeastern China:

  • Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) – Primary hub and headquarters
  • Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) – Major secondary hub
  • Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH) – Growing hub operation
  • Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX) – Expanding base in northern China
  • Changsha Huanghua International Airport (CSX) – Regional hub in central China

These strategically positioned hubs enable Xiamen Airlines to efficiently serve both domestic and international markets, with particular strength in connecting China’s southeastern coastal region to destinations throughout Asia and beyond.

Fleet and Service

Xiamen Airlines operates a modern and uniform fleet consisting exclusively of Boeing aircraft, a rarity among Chinese carriers. This strategy of fleet commonality provides operational efficiencies and consistency in maintenance and training.

The backbone of Xiamen Airlines’ fleet is the Boeing 737 family. The airline operates various generations of the 737, including the 737-800 and the newer 737 MAX series. These narrow-body aircraft primarily serve domestic and regional routes throughout China and neighboring countries.

For long-haul international services, Xiamen Airlines utilizes Boeing 787 Dreamliners, with both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants in its fleet. These modern wide-body aircraft serve the airline’s intercontinental routes to Europe, North America, and Australia, offering improved fuel efficiency and passenger comfort on these extended journeys.

The airline continues to modernize its fleet, with orders for additional Boeing 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft to support its expansion plans and replace older models. This fleet renewal strategy aligns with Xiamen Airlines’ commitment to reducing carbon emissions and improving operational efficiency.

Xiamen Airlines’ service philosophy centers around its “Tender and Thoughtful” approach to customer care, combined with an emphasis on safety and reliability. The airline offers multiple classes of service:

  • Business Class: Available on most aircraft with premium seating, enhanced dining, and priority services
  • Premium Economy: Offered on select international routes with increased legroom and improved amenities
  • Economy Class: Standard offering across the fleet with focus on comfort and quality service

The airline has been consistently upgrading its in-flight products, including:

  • Modern entertainment systems with extensive content selection
  • High-speed Wi-Fi connectivity on international flights
  • Enhanced dining options featuring both Chinese and international cuisine
  • Upgraded amenity kits for premium cabin passengers
  • Improved seating products across all cabin classes

Xiamen Airlines also operates exclusive airport lounges at its major hubs, providing premium passengers with comfortable pre-flight experiences featuring local design elements and catering that highlights Fujian cuisine.

Network Expansion

Xiamen Airlines’ route network has grown substantially from its initial focus on serving Xiamen and surrounding regions to become a comprehensive domestic and international operation.

The airline’s domestic network is particularly strong in eastern and southeastern China, with extensive service from its Xiamen, Fuzhou, and Hangzhou hubs to major business and leisure destinations across the country. Xiamen Airlines offers frequent service to key cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and Chengdu, as well as numerous secondary markets.

Regionally, Xiamen Airlines has developed a robust network throughout East and Southeast Asia, with service to destinations in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. The airline has also built significant operations serving Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The most significant development in Xiamen Airlines’ network in recent years has been its expansion to intercontinental markets:

  • Europe: Amsterdam, Paris, London
  • North America: Vancouver, Los Angeles, New York
  • Australia: Sydney, Melbourne
  • Middle East: Dubai

This international growth has been enabled by the introduction of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner to Xiamen Airlines’ fleet, allowing the carrier to efficiently serve long-haul markets. The airline has indicated plans for continued international expansion, with a focus on major global business centers and destinations with strong trade and tourism links to China.

Xiamen Airlines’ membership in the SkyTeam alliance further extends its network reach through codeshare agreements with partner airlines, allowing it to offer connections to hundreds of additional destinations worldwide.

Awards and Recognition

Xiamen Airlines has received numerous accolades for its service quality, safety record, and operational excellence. The airline has consistently been recognized in industry surveys and consumer polls as a leader in Chinese aviation.

The airline has been awarded the “China’s Best Airline Service Award” multiple times by CAPSE (China Aviation Service Performance Evaluation), recognizing its commitment to customer satisfaction and service quality.

Xiamen Airlines’ impressive safety record has been acknowledged internationally, with the airline receiving the “IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)” certification continuously since 2006, demonstrating its adherence to global safety standards.

The carrier was named “Best China Airline” in the 2019 GT Tested Reader Survey Awards by Global Traveler magazine, reflecting its growing international reputation. Skytrax, a leading airline review organization, has awarded Xiamen Airlines a 4-star rating, placing it among the quality leaders in Chinese aviation.

Xiamen Airlines has also been recognized for its corporate social responsibility initiatives, receiving awards for its environmental programs and community engagement efforts.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

In recent years, Xiamen Airlines has navigated significant industry challenges while continuing to evolve its business model and expand its operations. The airline has demonstrated resilience during the global pandemic, adapting its network and operations to changing market conditions.

A major focus has been fleet modernization, with Xiamen Airlines continuing to take delivery of new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft as part of its commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact. The airline has set ambitious sustainability goals, including a target to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 50% by 2035.

Xiamen Airlines has been enhancing its digital capabilities, introducing a comprehensive mobile application and improving its online booking and check-in systems. The airline has also been implementing biometric boarding technology at its major hubs to streamline the passenger experience.

In 2023, Xiamen Airlines unveiled a refreshed brand identity, maintaining its distinctive blue color scheme while modernizing its visual elements to reflect its evolution from a regional carrier to a global airline. This rebranding included updated aircraft livery, staff uniforms, and marketing materials.

The airline has announced plans to relocate its operations to the new Xiamen Xiang’an International Airport, scheduled to open in 2026. This modern facility will replace the current Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport and provide expanded capacity for Xiamen Airlines’ continued growth.

On the partnership front, Xiamen Airlines has been strengthening its relationships within the SkyTeam alliance, implementing enhanced codeshare agreements with partners including Delta Air Lines, KLM, and Korean Air to improve connectivity for its passengers.

Looking Ahead

As Xiamen Airlines navigates the evolving aviation landscape, the airline faces both challenges and opportunities. Competition in China’s aviation market continues to intensify, with both state-owned and private carriers expanding rapidly and competing for market share.

Xiamen Airlines’ positioning as a quality-focused carrier with a strong safety record and modern fleet provides a solid foundation for continued success. The airline’s strategic focus on the economically vibrant southeastern region of China, combined with its growing international network, creates opportunities for sustainable growth.

With its comprehensive domestic network, expanding international presence, and membership in the SkyTeam alliance, Xiamen Airlines is well-positioned to benefit from China’s growing outbound travel market and increased business connectivity between China and global economic centers.

From its beginnings as a small regional carrier to its current position as an internationally recognized airline with a fleet of more than 200 aircraft, Xiamen Airlines’ journey demonstrates how a focus on safety, service quality, and strategic growth can create a strong position in the competitive airline industry. As it looks to the future, Xiamen Airlines seems poised to continue its tradition of excellence while expanding its global footprint as an ambassador for Chinese aviation.

Keyword: TopAirlines