:China Southern Airlines

{{See also|CAAC Airlines}}

China Southern Airlines was established on July 1, 1988, as part of the Chinese government's initiative to decentralize the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), and liberalize the Chinese aviation market.{{Cite web |title=The History of China Southern Airlines - iFLY |url=https://www.ifly.com/airlines/china-southern-airlines/airline-history |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=www.ifly.com}} This restructuring aimed to transform CAAC's regional divisions into independent commercial entities. China Southern emerged from the former Guangzhou Regional Administration of CAAC, marking its inception as a separate airline. However, the airline's first commercial operations under its own name and livery didn't launch until February 1991.{{Cite web |last=Curran |first=Andrew |date=2021-11-08 |title=The History Of China's Largest Air Carrier: China Southern |url=https://simpleflying.com/china-southern-history/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Simple Flying |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=China Southern Airlines {{!}} Company Overview & News |url=https://www.forbes.com/companies/china-southern-airlines/ |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Forbes |language=en}}

The airline completed its decentralization from CAAC when it gained independence on 10 October 1993.{{Cite journal |last=Bailey |first=John |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1993/1993%20-%202462.html |title=China's 'big three' gain independence |date=13–19 October 1993 |issue=4391 |volume=144 |journal=Flight International |location=London, UK |publisher=Reed Business Publishing |page=9 |access-date=1 October 2016 |issn=0015-3710}} During the airline's early years, the carrier was the dominant domestic carrier. Together with the two major airlines of China – Air China and China Eastern – the airline handled half of the passenger traffic carried by all Chinese carriers. Owing to Air China's status as the country's flag carrier, the airline is entitled to extensive international service rights, with China Eastern and China Southern's international networks confined to mainly East Asia and within Asia, respectively. Like other Chinese carriers, China Southern was subjected to CAAC's exclusive right to grant route-specific operating licenses and domestic prices.{{Cite journal |last=Le |first=Thuong T. |title=Reforming China's airline industry: From state-owned monopoly to market dynamism |jstor=20713344 |journal=Transportation Journal |volume=37 |issue=2 |date=Winter 1997 |pages=48, 51–52 |issn=0041-1612}}

To raise its operating standards and distance itself from mostly unprofitable second and third-tier domestic airlines, the carrier signed agreements with several foreign carriers regarding staff training and aircraft maintenance, with the ultimate aim of being listed on the {{Nowrap|New York Stock Exchange}}, possibly as soon as early 1995.{{Cite news|last1=Kahn|first1=Joseph|last2=Jordan|first2=Miriam|title=China's Big State Airlines Are Flying in New Direction – They Seek Operating Accords, and Possibly Funds, From Foreign Lines|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=1 November 1994|page=B4}}

Starting in the mid-1990s, China Southern sought to expand its international reach beyond Asia. In December 1995, the Chinese and United States governments signed an aviation agreement that would allow the commencement of non-stop air services between the two countries.{{Cite news|title=U.S., China sign accord for non-stop air service|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|date=24 December 1995|page=11}} After having been granted the right to establish services to Amsterdam in early 1996, the airline started Guangzhou–Beijing–Amsterdam, its first long-haul route, in November 1996. The following year, the carrier commenced non-stop trans-Pacific services to Los Angeles, as well as services to Brisbane.For Amsterdam, see {{Cite news|title=Asian-Pacific Brief: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal Asia|date=24 June 1996|page=4}} and {{Cite journal|title=Asia/Pacific report|journal=Air Transport World|location=New York|publisher=Penton Media|volume=33|issue=11|date=November 1996|page=20|issn=0002-2543}}

• For Los Angeles, see {{Cite news|last=Miller|first=Nick|url=|title=GE90 powers 1st twin-engine China-U.S. flight|newspaper=Cincinnati Post|date=22 July 1997|access-date=|url-access=}}
• For Brisbane, see {{Cite news|last=Bailey|first=Murray|title=CSA set for leading aviation role|newspaper=South China Morning Post|date=13 November 1997|page=2}}

The start of European and American services coincided with the arrival of the long-range Boeing 777s, the first of which was delivered in late December 1995, as well as a general expansion and upgrade of the carrier's fleet and the associated facilities. Due to engine certification and labor relations issues, the delivery of the first Boeing 777 was more than a month behind schedule. As a result, the carrier considered, but ultimately decided against, leasing the Boeing 747-400, which would have been used to cover anticipated delays as well as to launch trans-Pacific services to the United States.{{Cite news|title=China Southern's first|newspaper=Business Times|location=Kuala Lumpur|date=2 January 1996|page=1}}{{Cite journal|title=Interim Lease Plan|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1995/1995%20-%203104.html|journal=Flight International|date=1–7 November 1995|issue=4496|volume=148|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|page=11|access-date=1 October 2016|issn=0015-3710}}{{Cite news|last=Ionides|first=Nicholas|title=China airline set to double size of fleet|newspaper=South China Morning Post|date=10 October 1995|page=10}}{{cite web|title=777 Model Summary|publisher=Boeing|url=http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=777&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=777&ViewReportF=View+Report|access-date=16 January 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151031013801/http://active.boeing.com/commercial/orders/displaystandardreport.cfm?cboCurrentModel=777&optReportType=AllModels&cboAllModel=777&ViewReportF=View+Report|archive-date=31 October 2015|url-status=live}} Nevertheless, the airline planned to double its fleet of 67 aircraft. In April 1996, the Chinese government placed an order, on China Southern's behalf, for 10 Airbus A320s; the delivery of the first aircraft, and China Southern's first Airbus, was made the following year.{{Cite news|title=Airbus wins order from China for planes valued at $1.5 billion|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=11 April 1996|page=A4}}{{Cite journal|title=China Southern Airlines receives first A320 from Airbus|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1997/1997%20-%201722.html|journal=Flight International|date=2–8 July 1997|issue=4581|volume=152|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|page=10|access-date=1 October 2016|issn=0015-3710}} Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Company, which was jointly established with Lockheed Aircraft Services International and Hutchinson Whampoa, was carrying out expansion of its aircraft maintenance facilities in anticipation of the increase.{{Cite journal|last=Mecham|first=Michael|title=Gameco to grow beyond home base|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|volume=140|issue=2|date=10 January 1994|page=41|issn=0005-2175}}

In July 1997, China Southern Airlines went public, listing on both the Hong Kong and New York Stock Exchanges. The airline raised $600–$700 million, which was mainly used to expand its fleet, pay off debt, and invest in other key areas.{{Cite news|title=China Southern Airlines Files for Global IPO|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal Asia|date=27 June 1997|page=20}} In 2003, China Southern Airlines listed domestically on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.{{Cite news|last=Dela Cruz|first=Ramoncito|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB105933662518940000|title=Shares of China Southern Rise 44% in Shanghai Debut|date=28 July 2003|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|access-date=9 October 2016}} By 1997, the airline, along with its joint-venture airlines Xiamen Airlines, Shantou Airlines and Guangxi Airlines, was carrying some 15 million passengers per year using about 90 aircraft, operating about 270 routes among 68 destinations and almost 2,450 flights per week. The airline group's revenue totaledsome US$1.4 billion with a net income of $90 million.{{Cite journal|last=Mackey|first=Michael|title=Mainland powerhouse|journal=Air Transport World|location=New York|publisher=Penton Media|volume=34|issue=9|date=September 1997|pages=27–28|issn=0002-2543}}{{Cite journal|last=Proctor|first=Paul|title=China Southern Closes on Air China for Premier Spot|journal=Aviation Week & Space Technology|location=New York|publisher=McGraw-Hill|volume=146|issue=13|date=31 March 1997|page=44|issn=0005-2175}}

The end of the 1990s was a period of consolidation for the Chinese airline industry. Initially, China Southern looked to acquire several smaller non-profitable domestic carriers as it sought to highlight its expansion plans intoaise funds; among the deals was the purchase of 60% shares of Guizhou Airlines.{{Cite news|last=Walker|first=Tony|title=China Southern eyes its country cousins|newspaper=Financial Times|date=30 January 1997|page=29}}{{Cite news|last=Chan|first=Christine|title=Guizhou stake for China Southern|newspaper=South China Morning Post|date=15 April 1998|page=2}} Due to the weakening economy amidst the 1997 Asian financial crisis and intense competition among the some 30 Chinese carriers, in 1998, CAAC considered a comprehensive restructuring of the industry that would see the consolidation of the airlines into three or five carrier groups.{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Xiangwei|title=Mergers in air after huge losses|newspaper=South China Morning Post|date=11 March 1999|page=5}} At one stage, it was reported that CAAC was contemplating a forced merger of Air China and China Southern. Given the latter's dual listing in Hong Kong and New York, it was thought that such a merger would have eased Air China's path towardits own share offering. China Southern confirmed that such talks between them were occurring, although they ultimately proved fruitless. Had the merger proceeded, their combined fleets would have numbered some 250 aircraft, which would have made the resultant airline the largest in Asia.{{Cite journal|last=Jezioski|first=Andrzej|title=Beijing may force merger of Air China and China Southern|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1999/1999%20-%201996.html|issue=4684|volume=156|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|date=7–13 July 1999|page=19|access-date=9 October 2016|issn=0015-3710}}{{Cite journal|title=Chinese Carriers Deny Merger Talks|journal=World Airline News|volume=9|issue=29|date=16 July 1999|page= 1}}{{Cite journal|last=Jasper|first=Chris|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/1999/1999%20-%202119.html|title=China Southern begins merger talks with Air China|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|date=21–27 July 1999|volume=156|issue=4686|page=6|access-date=9 October 2016|issn=0015-3710}}

Although there was considerable resistance to CAAC's call to rationalise the industry, in July 2000, the administrative body announced that the 10 airlines under its direct management will be merged into three airline groups, revolving around Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and China Southern itself.{{Cite journal|last=Ionies|first=Nicholas|title=Bigger Is Better|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|date=16–22 September 2003|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2003/2003%20-%202004.html|access-date=17 January 2011|issn=0015-3710}} Within a month, China Southern had started absorbing Zhengzhou-based Zhongyuan Airlines, which at the time operated five Boeing 737s and two Xian Y-7 turboprops.{{Cite journal|last=Jeziorski|first=Andrjez|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%200585.html|title=Chinese airline mergers begin|location=Surrey, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|date=8–14 August 2000|page=7|access-date=9 October 2016}} The carrier would later merge with Shenyang-based China Northern Airlines and Urumqi-based Xinjiang Airlines to form China Southern Air Holding Co., a process that took more than two years and would culminate in China Southern's acquisition of their US$2 billion's worth of assets (as well as $1.8 billion of debt) in November 2004. Consequently, China Southern's fleet expanded from some 140 aircraft to over 210. The takeovers meant that the carrier became the main airline atinhenyang and Ürümqi, with passenger numbersjumping from 28.2 million in 2004 to 44.1 million in 2005.For stthe art of merger, see {{Cite news|last=Brown|first=Owen|title=Chinese Airlines Announce Mergers – Flagship Carrier Air China Can Now Set Its Sights on Public Share Offer|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal Asia|date=14 October 2002|page=A3}}

• For completion of merger, asset and debt figures, and fleet size, see {{Cite journal|last=Dennis|first=William|title=China Southern Acquires China Northern, Xinjiang|journal=Aviation Daily|volume=358|issue=33|date=16 November 2004|page=5}}
• For the claim that the carrier is the largest airline at Shenyang and Ürümqi, see {{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/china-southern-6th-airline-in-history-to-carry-over-100m-passengers-now-for-improved-efficiency-203547|title=China Southern 6th airline in history to carry over 100m passengers. Now for improved efficiency|work=Centre for Aviation|date=6 January 2015|access-date=11 October 2016}}
• For passenger numbers, see {{Cite web|url=http://www.anna.aero/2008/04/11/china-southern-joins-world-top-10-expands-globally-with-alliance-membership/|title=China Southern: Joins world top 10, expands globally with alliance membership|date=11 April 2008|work=Anna. aero|access-date=10 October 2016}} As a result, China Southern Airlines became one of the "Big Three" carriers in the country. Since then, it has successively taken over shareholding stocks and joined the equity in numerous Chinese carriers. The airline is the major shareholder of Xiamen Airlines (55%) and Chongqing Airlines (60%); it also invests in Sichuan Airlines (39%).For Xiamen Airlines, see {{Cite web|last=Ge|first=Lena|url=http://www.chinaaviationdaily.com/news/49/49482.html|title=China Southern Takes 4% Stake in Xiamen Air for 627 Million Yuan|publisher=China Aviation Daily|date=9 December 2015|access-date=11 October 2016}}
• For Chongqing Airlines, see {{Cite web|last=Cantle|first=Katie|url=http://atwonline.com/news/china-southern-looks-west-new-chongqing-airlines|title=China Southern looks west with new Chongqing Airlines|date=5 April 2007|work=Air Transport World|access-date=11 October 2016|url-access=subscription }}
• For Sichuan Airlines, see {{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/sichuan-airlines-becomes-chinas-7th-airline-to-have-100-aircraft-next-10-years-another-100-225300|title=Sichuan Airlines becomes China's 7th airline to have 100 aircraft. Next 10 years: another 100|work=Centre for Aviation|date=21 May 2015|access-date=11 October 2016}}

Amidst the major consolidation of the airline industry, China Southern in April 2000 started dedicated cargo services from Shenzhen using a Boeing 747-200F (which was quickly upgraded to the Boeing 747-400F) wet-leased from Atlas Air. To capitalize on the economic growth of the Pearl River Delta region (which includes Hong Kong), the carrier constructed a dedicated cargo center in Shenzhen.{{Cite journal|last=Jeziors|first=Andrzej|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2000/2000-1%20-%200704.html|title=China Southern to buy and operate 747 freighter fleet|journal=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|issue=4743|volume=158|date=22–28 August 2000|access-date=11 October 2015}} Successful operations prompted an order for two Boeing 747-400Fs the following year.{{Cite journal|last=Ionides|first=Nicholas|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/pdfarchive/view/2001/2001%20-%201518.html|title=China Southern orders 747s to expand cargo operation|journal=Flight International|date=1–7 May 2001|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|access-date=11 October 2016}} The airline by now had commenced operations to Sydney and Melbourne.{{Cite news|last=Hawkes|first=Phil|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/the-deal-magazine/china-airlines-promote-new-kangaroo-routes-from-australia-to-europe-and-north-america/story-e6frgabx-1226915887214|title=China airlines promote new kangaroo routes from Australia to Europe and North America|date=16 May 2014|newspaper=The Australian|access-date=12 October 2016}}

In September 2003, China Southern signed a purchase agreement for four Airbus A330-200s to be delivered in 2005. This was part of the order placed in April by the China Aviation Supplies Imp. & Exp. Group covering 30 aircraft.{{Cite press release|title=China Southern Airlines signs purchase agreement for 4 a330-200 aircraft|publisher=Airbus|date=29 September 2003|url=http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/china-southern-airlines-signs-purchase-agreement-for-4-a330-200-aircraft/|access-date=21 October 2011|archive-date=22 May 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130522182145/http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/china-southern-airlines-signs-purchase-agreement-for-4-a330-200-aircraft/|url-status=dead}} China Southern became the first mainland Chinese A330 operator with the delivery of the first example in February 2005.{{Cite press release|title=China Southern Airlines receives first A330-200 aircraft|publisher=Airbus|date=28 February 2005|url=http://www.airbus.com/newsevents/news-events-single/detail/china-southern-airlines-receives-first-a330-200-aircraft/news-catevisit/news-browse/142/|access-date=21 October 2011}} {{Dead link|date=April 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} China Southern followed up in September 2005 with a further order for eight A330-300s and two A330-200s.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/china-southern-airlines-jointly-with-casgc-orders-ten-additional-airbus-a330s/|title=China Southern Airlines jointly with CASGC orders ten additional Airbus A330s|publisher=Airbus|date=6 September 2005|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011142142/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/china-southern-airlines-jointly-with-casgc-orders-ten-additional-airbus-a330s/|url-status=dead}}

The month of January 2005 proved to be significant for civil aviation in China in general and China Southern in particular. In preparation for the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China Southern, and the Chinese government placed several landmark widebody-aircraft orders from Airbus and Boeing. More specifically, on 28 January 2005, the carrier became the first (and so far the only) Chinese carrier to commit to the Airbus A380 double-deck aircraft, when it signed a general-terms agreement for five examples worth US$1.4 billion at catalog prices.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-press-center-press-release/|title=China Southern Airlines Company Limited and China Aviation Supplies Imp. purchase of five A380s|publisher=Airbus|date=28 January 2005|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011142145/http://www.airbus.com/presscentre/pressreleases/press-release-detail/detail/airbus-press-center-press-release/|archive-date=11 October 2016|url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|url=|title=China Southern Airlines orders five Airbus superjumbos|work=AP Worldstream|agency=Associated Press|date=28 January 2005|access-date=|url-access=}} On the same day, China Southern, along with five other domestic carriers, placed a bulk order for 60 Boeing 7E7s (later renamed the Boeing 787 Dreamliner). The aircraft was worth $7.2 billion at list prices, and the first example was expected to be delivered in time for the Olympics;{{Cite news|url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-01-28-china-7e7_x.htm|title=Senator says Chinese airlines to order 60 7E7s|date=28 January 2016|agency=Associated Press|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=11 October 2016|archive-date=11 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161111013633/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/travel/news/2005-01-28-china-7e7_x.htm|url-status=dead}} however, the first aircraft did not arrive until June 2013.{{Cite news|first=Katie|last=Cantle|url=http://atwonline.com/airframes/china-southern-airlines-takes-delivery-first-787|title=China Southern Airlines takes delivery of first 787|date=3 June 2013|work=Air Transport World|access-date=11 October 2016}}

Earlier during the month, the CAAC had approved the temporary operations of charter flights between mainland China and Taiwan. On the same day as the widebody orders, a China Southern Airlines Boeing 777–200 took off from Guangzhou and landed in Taipei the following day, becoming the first mainland Chinese aircraft to land in the Republic of China since 1949, when the Kuomintang were involved in Chinese Civil War with the Chinese Communist Party. The flight carried 242 passengers home after the Lunar New Year. Previously, passengers travelling between the mainland and Taiwan had to transit through a third port such as Hong Kong or Macau.{{Cite news|title=China Approves Charter Flights to Taiwan|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal Asia|date=19 January 2005|page=A2}}{{Cite news|title=Chinese jet makes historic Taiwan flight|work=USA Today|date=28 January 2005|url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2005-01-28-china-taiwan_x.htm?POE=NEWISVA|access-date=17 January 2011}} Within three years, in July 2008, a China Southern Airlines Airbus A330 carrying 230 tourists{{Cite news|title=China-Taiwan direct flights begin|publisher=Fox News|date=3 July 2008|url=http://www.foxnews.com/wires/2008Jul03/0,4670,TaiwanChinaTourismHopes,00.html|access-date=17 January 2011}} again landed in Taipei.{{Cite news|title=Direct flights between China and Taiwan start|work=The New York Times|date=4 July 2008|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/04/business/worldbusiness/04iht-04fly.14224270.html|access-date=17 January 2011}} The governments of China and Taiwan had both agreed to allow direct flights across the Taiwan Strait in June, ending six decades of limited air travel between the two sides. Following the flight, China Southern Airlines Chairman and pilot of the flight, Liu Shaoyong, said, "From today onward, regular commercial flights will replace the rumbling warplanes over the skies of the Taiwan Strait, and relations between the two sides will become better and better."

Following two years of negotiations which had started in August 2004, in late June 2006, China Southern signed an agreement with SkyTeam, one of the three global airline alliances, formally pledging itself to the improvement of standards with the aim of its eventual joining. According to the agreement, the airline committed to the upgrade of handling services, facilities ,and training of at least 75% of its staff to SkyTeam's standards.{{Cite news|last=Barling|first=Russell|title=China Southern set to join SkyTeam alliance Deal will open carrier's domestic network to global traffic|newspaper=South China Morning Post|date=24 May 2006|page=2}}{{Cite news|last=Zhan|first=Lisheng|title=Airline inks deal to join SkyTeam|newspaper=China Daily|edition=North American|date=29 June 2006|page=10}} On 15 November 2007, China Southern officially joined SkyTeam, becoming the eleventh carrier to join the grouping and the first mainland Chinese carrier to join an airline alliance. The welcoming ceremony was attended by high-ranking Chinese government and SkyTeam corporate officials and was held at the Great Hall of the People.{{Cite web|last=Francis|first=Leithen|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-southern-officially-joins-skyteam-219567/|title=China Southern officially joins SkyTeam|date=15 November 2007|work=Flightglobal|access-date=13 October 2016}} The carrier's integration with the alliance continued with its entry into SkyTeam Cargo in November 2010,{{Cite press release|url=http://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2010/china-southern-airlines-to-join-skyteam-cargo-in-2010/|title=China Southern Airlines to Join Skyteam Cargo in 2010|publisher=SkyTeam|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=9 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109225630/https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2010/china-southern-airlines-to-join-skyteam-cargo-in-2010/|url-status=dead}} and its joint-venture carrier Xiamen Airlines' formal joining in November 2012. With China Eastern's ascension in June 2011, SkyTeam furthered its leading presence on the mainland Chinese market; the remaining Big Three carrier, Air China, is a member of Star Alliance.{{Cite web|url=http://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2012/skyteam-welcomes-xiamen-airlines/|title=SkyTeam Welcomes Xiamen Airlines|publisher=SkyTeam|date=21 November 2016|access-date=13 October 2016|archive-date=11 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210111130048/https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2012/skyteam-welcomes-xiamen-airlines/|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/xiamen-airlines-to-join-skyteam-in-2012-strengthening-the-alliances-presence-in-the-region-63102|title=Xiamen Airlines to join SkyTeam in 2012, strengthening the alliance's presence in China|work=Centre for Aviation|date=18 November 2016|access-date=13 October 2016}}

It followed up with another Airbus order on 7 July 2006, when it confirmed a deal covering the purchase of 50 more A320 narrow bodies for delivery in 2009.{{Cite news|title=Largest Chinese airline buys 50 Airbus jets – Business – International Herald Tribune|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/07/business/worldbusiness/07iht-airbus.2140474.html|access-date=20 January 2011|date=31 December 1969}} The order included 13 A319-100s, 20 A320-200s and 17 A321-200s, reportedly worth $3.3 billion at list prices.{{Cite news|title=China Southern Agrees to Purchase 50 Airbus A320s (Update3)|publisher=Bloomberg|date=7 July 2006|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=ac4NwqkqEPVI&refer=asia|access-date=20 January 2011}} In December 2005, China Southern Airlines along with CASGC, announced an order with Boeing for 9 Boeing 737-700s and 11 Boeing 737-800s.

In June 2006, China Southern Airlines confirmed another order of three Boeing 737-700s and seven Boeing 737-800s. The deliveries would continue through 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.boeingchina.com/news/30newcontent.asp?category=1&id=1418&num=22&keywords= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219000657/http://www.boeingchina.com/news/30newcontent.asp?category=1&id=1418&num=22&keywords= |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2007 |script-title=zh:中国150架波音737订单全部确认 |publisher=Boeing China |date=14 September 2006 |language=zh-cn}} On 18 October 2006, China Southern Airlines placed an order for six Boeing 777 freighters, striding forward a brand new step in its cargo development.{{cite web |url=http://www.boeingchina.com/news/30newcontent.asp?category=1&id=1429&num=14&keywords= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071219000702/http://www.boeingchina.com/news/30newcontent.asp?category=1&id=1429&num=14&keywords= |url-status=dead |archive-date=19 December 2007 |script-title=zh:中国南方航空公司宣布订购波音777货机 |publisher=Boeing China |date=19 October 2006 |language=zh-cn}} The aircraft would be delivered from November 2008 to July 2010.

On 20 August 2007, China Southern Airlines announced its intention for an order of 25 Boeing 737-700s and 30 Boeing 737-800s, which will be delivered from May 2011 to October 2013.{{Cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-southern-to-order-55-more-737s-216228/|title=China Southern to order 55 more 737s|work=Flight International|location=London, UK|publisher=Reed Business Publishing|date=21 August 2007|access-date=21 October 2011}} It was a mere two months before, on 23 October 2007, China Southern Airlines announced that it had placed an order for 10 additional Airbus A330-200s. The order has a listed price of US$1.677 billion and the aircraft will be delivered from March 2010 to August 2012.[http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2007/10/24/business/AS-FIN-China-China-Southern-Airlines-Airbus.php Search – Global Edition – The New York Times]. International Herald Tribune (29 March 2009). Retrieved on 19 December 2010.

File:China Southern Airlines office in Melbourne.jpg]]

During 2009, China Southern Airlines remodeled its strategy from a point-to-point hub to a full hub and spoke carrier, which has been proven successful. Along with that, the airline has rapidly expanded its international market share, particularly in Australia, where passenger numbers in 2011 have been 97% greater than in 2010.{{cite web|url=http://airlineroute.net/2011/10/03/cz-2011/|title=China Southern Current Status and Future Planning Overview as of Oct 2011|access-date=9 May 2015}}

On 21 January 2010, China Southern Airlines announced an order for an additional 20 A320-200s, scheduled for delivery in 2011, due to the falling fuel costs and surging passenger demand.[http://news.alibaba.com/article/detail/business-in-china/100236003-1-china-southern-airlines-buy-20.html China Southern Airlines to buy 20 Airbus A320]. News.alibaba.com. Retrieved on 19 December 2010. In March 2010, the Chinese carrier issued new shares in Hong Kong and Shanghai 2010 to raise 10.75 billion yuan ($1.57 billion) in a bid to pay off outstanding loans.{{Cite news|title=China Southern Airlines to Raise $1.57  Billion to Repay Loans|work=Bloomberg BusinessWeek |date=8 March 2010|url=http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-03-08/china-southern-airlines-to-raise-1-57-billion-to-repay-loans.html|access-date=17 January 2011}}{{dead link|date=April 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} In December, CNY810 million ($121.5 million) was injected by China Southern Airlines into its subsidiary Xiamen Airlines to fund its fleet expansion.{{cite web|url=http://atwonline.com/airline-finance-data/news/china-southern-provides-122-million-xiamen-fleet-expansion-1223|title=China Southern provides $122 million to Xiamen for fleet expansion – ATW Online|access-date=8 September 2018}} In November 2010, China Southern Airlines signed an agreement with Airbus for the purchase of 6 A330s and 30 A320–200s.{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/china-southern-to-order-six-a330s-and-30-a320s/96688.article |title=China Southern to order six A330s and 30 A320s|author=David Kaminski-Morrow |website=FlightGlobal |date=4 November 2010 |access-date=9 May 2015}}

On 11 January 2011, China Southern Airlines announced a lease for 10 Embraer E-190, set to be delivereinom the second half of 2011. On 27 January 2011, China Southern Airlines was awarded a four-star ranking by Skytrax. It is the largest airline to hold this title.{{cite web|url=http://www.breakingtravelnews.com/news/article/china-southern-earns-four-star-ranking-by-skytrax/|title=China Southern earns four-star ranking by SKYTRAX|work=Breaking Travel News|access-date=9 May 2015}} On 17 October 2011, China Southern Airlines made its first flight with the Airbus A380. Initially, the airline deployed the A380s on domestic routes, flying between Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. At the same time, the carrier conducted negotiations to commence A380 international services. Due to the government-imposed limitation that confined an international route to a single airline, China Southern in August 2012 announced its intention to initiate Beijing-Paris services in cooperation with Air China, pending government approval. Two months later, the A380 was deployed on Guangzhou-Los Angeles services.{{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/skyteam-seeks-clarity-on-proposed-china-southern-air-china-joint-a380-operation-97256|title=SkyTeam seeks clarity on proposed China Southern-Air China joint A380 operation|work=Centre for Aviation|date=21 February 2013|access-date=16 November 2016}} Early A380 operations were unprofitable and the aircraft, underutilised; services to Sydney were thus launched in October 2013.{{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/yield-pressure-for-china-southern-airlines-as-it-deploys-a380-to-sydney-106833|title=Yield pressure for China Southern Airlines as it deploys A380 to Sydney|work=Centre for Aviation|date=29 April 2013|access-date=16 November 2016}} By May 2013, talks with Air China on Beijing-Paris services had ceased.{{Cite news|last=Chiu|first=Joanne|title=China Southern Ends Talks With Rival|newspaper=Wall Street Journal|date=9 May 2013}}

While China Southern, like the other two of the big three Chinese carriers, Air China and China Eastern Airlines,{{Cite web |title=Infographic: China's Biggest Airlines {{!}} Aviation Analysis {{!}} OAG |url=https://www.oag.com/blog/infographic-chinas-biggest-airlines#:~:text=The%20top%20three%20biggest%20airlines,domestic%20capacity%20in%20February%202024. |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=www.oag.com |language=en-gb}} had been expanding rapidly since 2000, much of their activities had been focused on the domestic market.{{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/chinese-airlines-sixth-freedom-roles-could-challenge-middle-east-asian-european-hubs-this-decade-66664|title=Chinese airlines' sixth freedom roles could challenge Middle East, Asian, European hubs this decade|work=Centre for Aviation|date=26 January 2012|access-date=11 October 2016}} With the increase in outflow of Chinese tourists, who in 2012 ,for example ,spent $102 billion internationally,{{Cite web|last=Nayak|first=Shivali|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-01-20/an-chinese-travellers-prefer-indepedent-travel2c-rely-on-onlin/5208728|title=Chinesetravelerss prefer independent travel, rely on online world to make choices|publisher=ABC|date=14 July 2015|access-date=11 October 2016}} as well as the rapid construction and introduction of high-speed rail in China, the carrier shifted its outlook overseas to sustain growth. Owing to the location of its hub at Guangzhou, which hinders the airline from effectively serving the North American market, the airline concentrated its international expansion on Australasia. In June 2012, with the inauguration of services from Guangzhou to London-Heathrow, the airline started marketing its services connecting Europe and Australia as the "Canton Route",{{Cite web|url=http://australianaviation.com.au/2012/06/china-southern-takes-off-on-canton-route/|title=China Southern takes off on Canton Route|date=5 June 2012|work=Australian Aviation|access-date=11 October 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/news/2012/20120606.asp|website=www.csair.com|access-date=8 September 2018|url-status=dead|title=China Southern Airlines Co., LTD|archive-date=2012-06-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610013739/http://www.csair.com/en/news/2012/20120606.asp}} an alternative to the Kangaroo Route flown by carriers such as Qantas. It hoped to attract the predominantly business traffic that travel between Europe and Australia, and channel such sixth-freedom traffic as well as traffic from mainland China through its Guangzhou hub (thereby transforming the carrier's network from one that emphasises point-to-point to a hub-and-spoke system).{{Cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/analysis/china-southern-airlines-to-move-long-haul-focus-from-growth-to-sustainability-and-partnerships-163424|title=China Southern Airlines to move long-haul focus from growth to sustainability and partnerships|work=Centre for Aviation|date=17 April 2014|access-date=11 October 2016}}{{Cite journal|title=Canton Calling|last=Cantle|first=Katie|journal=Air Transport World|volume=49|issue=8|date=August 2012|pages=22–26}} The carrier by now had added cities such as Auckland, Istanbul, Perth, and Vancouver to its route map.{{Cite web|url=http://www.anna.aero/2011/12/01/china-southern-airlines-launches-first-route-to-turkey/|title=China Southern Airlines launches first route to Turkey|date=1 December 2011|work=Anna.aero|access-date=12 October 2016}}{{Cite news|url=http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90883/7412252.html|title=China Southern Airlines makes debut flight to Vancouver|date=16 June 2011|newspaper=People's Daily|access-date=12 October 2016|archive-date=11 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161011225705/http://en.people.cn/90001/90776/90883/7412252.html|url-status=dead}}

During May–June 2012, China Southern Airlines has recruited Dutch flight attendants to serve the First and Business class sections for flights from Guangzhou to Amsterdam.{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/news/2012/20120516.asp|website=www.csair.com|access-date=8 September 2018|url-status=dead|title=China Southern Airlines Co., LTD|archive-date=2012-05-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120526220421/http://www.csair.com/en/news/2012/20120516.asp}}

On 7 June 2013, China Southern operated its first Boeing 787 on a route from Guangzhou to Beijing Capital, the first Chinese airline to introduce the 787-8.{{cite web |last=Maslen |first=Richard |date=10 June 2023 |title=China Southern Inaugurates Dreamliner Flights |url=https://aviationweek.com/air-transport/airports-networks/china-southern-inaugurates-dreamliner-flights |website=Aviationweek.com |publisher=Aviation Week Network |access-date=10 January 2025}} The 787s were going to be part of China Southern's fleet for only a dozen years: in November 2024, the airline announced its intention to sell all 10 aircraft of the type by 2026 due to challenges in recovering long-haul services following the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |title=China Southern Airlines to Sell Its Last Boeing 787-8s Amid Slow Int'l Market Recovery |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/china-southern-to-sell-all-wide-body-boeing-787-8s-amid-slow-intl-recovery |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=www.yicaiglobal.com |language=en}}

In early 2015, it was announced that the airline would lease 24 Airbus A320neo aircraft from AerCap for delivery between 2016 and 2019.{{cite journal|title=China Southern Airlines|journal=Airliner World|date=March 2015|page=17}}

On 15 November 2018, the airline announced that it would leave SkyTeam by 1 January 2019 and will strengthen its partnership with American Airlines and others.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2018/update-skyteam-and-China-Southern/|title=Update: SkyTeam and China Southern|last=Zakis|first=Klara|date=15 November 2018|website=SkyTeam|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181116131710/https://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2018/update-skyteam-and-China-Southern/|archive-date=16 November 2018|url-status=dead}} The announcement lead to speculation that it will join Oneworld alongside Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific. Various media outlets reported that while analysts predict that its Oneworld move could threaten Cathay Pacific's position in the alliance, other analysts states that China Southern joining Oneworld would benefit Cathay more due to different target markets.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/2174563/alliance-china-southern-oneworld-could-help-hong-kongs|title=Unlikely wingmen: Alliance with mainland carrier 'could help Cathay'|date=2018-11-22|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-09-25}}

In March 2019, the airline announced a frequent flyer partnership with American Airlines.{{cite news|url=https://skift.com/2019/03/21/american-airlines-and-china-southern-launch-frequent-flyer-partnership/|title=American Airlines and China Southern Launch Frequent Flyer Partnership

|last=Martin|first=Grant|date=21 March 2019|website=Skift|access-date=22 March 2019}} Currently, the airline plans for more flexible tie-ups with other carriers, mostly with Oneworld members such as Qatar Airways while not joining the alliance 'for a few years' in order to fulfill its dream as 'world's largest airline'.{{Cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3015716/china-southern-airlines-eyes-world-domination-it-puts-plans-join|title=China Southern eyes world domination and puts Oneworld plans aside|date=2019-06-23|website=South China Morning Post|language=en|access-date=2019-09-25}} On 26 September 2019, China Southern operates at Beijing Daxing International Airport alongside its former and current partners, and all of its flights to and from Beijing are transferred to Daxing on 25 October 2020.

China Southern operated its last commercial Airbus A380 flight on 5 November 2022, remaining the only Chinese airline ever to operate the A380. The aircraft were retired due to market challenges following the COVID-19 pandemic, the last two being flown to storage at Mojave Air and Space Port in December 2022. One former China Southern A380 was acquired by Global Airlines in 2024 with plans to launch flights between the United Kingdom and the United States using this aircraft in 2025.{{Cite web |title=UK's Global Airlines secures ex-China Southern A380 - ch-aviation |url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/news/136776-uks-global-airlines-secures-ex-china-southern-a380#:~:text=Global%20Airlines%20(London%20City)%20has,small%20task%2C%22%20he%20said. |access-date=20 January 2025 |website=www.ch-aviation.com}}

In early January 2025, China Southern Airlines suspend its daily service between Beijing Daxing and Moscow Sheremetyevo from 20 January to 30 March 2025. No reason was given by the airline. However, experts commented it may be due to the on-going conflict between Russia and Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Reporter |first=Micah McCartney China News |date=2025-01-14 |title=China's biggest air carrier halts flights to Moscow in blow to Putin |url=https://www.newsweek.com/china-news-biggest-airlines-leave-russi-2014559 |access-date=2025-01-19 |website=Newsweek |language=en}}

The key trends for the China Southern Airlines Group are (as of the financial year ending December 31):{{Cite web |title=China Southern - Annual Reports |url=https://www.csair.com/en/about/investor/yejibaogao/all/ |access-date=2024-08-13 |website=www.csair.com}}

American Airlines invested $200 million in China Southern Airlines in March 2017, laying a strong foundation for a long-term relationship between two of the world's largest airlines. After the investment, American Airlines holds a 2.7% equity stake in China Southern Airlines.{{Cite news |date=2017-03-28 |title=American Airlines ties up partnership with China Southern |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/business-39414580 |access-date=2024-02-23 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}} American Airlines and China Southern are two of the world's largest airlines with complementary networks, offering customers unparalleled destinations in both the business and leisure traveler markets. The two airlines have signed codeshare and interline agreements to provide travelers with flights to more destinations in China, North and South America. The codeshare route partnership includes the ability to earn and redeem AAdvantage miles, check baggage through, and book tickets.{{Cite web |title=China Southern Airlines And American Airlines to Expand Partnership-2018-China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd csair.com |url=https://www.csair.com/id/en/about/news/news/2018/1ctf7fm2h6s7n.shtml |access-date=2024-02-23 |website=www.csair.com}}

File:The Headquarters building of China Southern Airlines(20181004).jpg]]

China Southern is headquartered in the China Southern Air Building at 68 Qixin Road ({{lang|zh-Hans|齐心路}}) in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province.{{cite web|url=https://www.csair.com/en/about/investor/yejibaogao/2019/resource/c0bdc4d0789ce1cdcefe8cffef45749d.pdf|title=Annual Report 2018|publisher=China Southern Airlines|access-date=18 June 2019|page=6 (PDF p. 8/279|quote=Corporate Information [...] Address: China Southern Air Building, 68 Qixin Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PRC [...] Place of Business: China Southern Air Building, 68 Qixin Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, PRC}}

It was previously at 278 Jichang (Airport) Road ({{lang|zh-Hans|机场路}}) in Baiyun District."[http://www.csair.com/en/investor/index.asp Investor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127044254/http://www.csair.com/en/Investor/index.asp |date=27 November 2010 }}." China Southern Airlines. Retrieved on 29 October 2010. "A hard copy of the Company's complete audited annual report will be provided to any shareholder without charge, upon written request to Company Secretary Office, China Southern Airlines Company Limited at 278 Jichang Road, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, the People's Republic of China."{{cite web |url=http://www.csair.com/cn/aboutcsn/01/index.html# |script-title=zh:董秘信箱 |publisher=China Southern Airlines |access-date=29 October 2010 |language=zh-cn |quote="{{lang|zh-Hans|广东省广州市白云区机场路278号中国南方航空股份有限公司董事会秘书办公室}}" |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100101012415/http://www.csair.com/cn/aboutcsn/01/index.html |archive-date=1 January 2010 |url-status=dead }}"[http://www.bnet.com/company/china+southern+airlines+co.+ltd. China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd.] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110812055044/http://www.bnet.com/company/china+southern+airlines+co.+ltd. |date=12 August 2011 }}" BNet. Retrieved on 21 October 2011.

China Southern had plans to open a new headquarters facility on a {{convert|988|acre|ha|adj=on}} site on the outskirts of Guangzhou, about {{convert|4|mi|km}} from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. Woods Bagot won a competition for the architect firm which would design the facility. The proposed site consists of two parcels of land on opposite sides of a highway leading to Baiyun Airport; both sites are shaped like wings. The site will have a bridge and light rail system that operates above the highway to connect the two parcels, which will each have distinct functions. For instance, the east parcel will house internal functions such as the data center facilities, staff dormitories, and the training center. The airline wants it to be aesthetically pleasing from the air since it sits below a runway approach. The site will have a lot of outdoor space, which Woods Bagot designed along with Hargreaves Associates and Sherwood Design Engineers. Jean Weng, a Woods Bagot Beijing-based principal, said "Most Chinese cities are very dense and very urban, but China Southern wants to create a human-scale campus, that's close to nature."McKeough, Tim. "[http://archrecord.construction.com/news/2012/08/120821-China-Southern-Builds-a-Woods-Bagot-designed-Airport-City-in-Guangzhou.asp China Southern Builds a Woods Bagot-designed Airport City in Guangzhou]." Architectural Record. 21 August 2012. Retrieved on 30 August 2012. The new headquarters was opened in August 2016.{{citation needed|date=June 2019}}

{{clear}}

{{Main|List of China Southern Airlines destinations}}

China Southern Airlines serves 193 destinations in 35 countries worldwide.{{Cite web|url=http://static.skyteam.com/Global/Press/Facts%20and%20figures/2012%20Nov%20Xiamen/Fact%20Sheet%202013%20June.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001153642/http://static.skyteam.com/Global/Press/Facts%20and%20figures/2012%20Nov%20Xiamen/Fact%20Sheet%202013%20June.pdf|title=SkyTeam – Fact Sheet – June 2013|archive-date=1 October 2013}} It maintains a strong presence in the domestic market with its main hubs at Beijing Daxing International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport with secondary hubs at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport, and Wuhan Tianhe International Airport, along with other focus cities in Changchun, Changsha, Dalian, Shenyang, Shenzhen, Wuhan, and Zhengzhou. The airline plans to continue to develop Chongqing and Ürümqi as hubs as well as to exploit the domestic market potential.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2010-04/09/content_9709483.htm|title=China Southern to develop Chongqing, Ürümqi hubs|access-date=9 May 2015}}

China Southern offers 485 flights a day from its Guangzhou hub and 221 from its Beijing hub. The airline provides services to 65 international destinations. Most of the international flights link Guangzhou with world cities. There are also plenty of international flights operated through Beijing, Shanghai, Ürümqi (notably to Central Asia and Middle-east) and Dalian (to Japan, South Korea, and Russia). China Southern Airlines has developed an extensive network in Southeast Asia and also has become the Chinese airline with the largest presence in Australia.{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/aboutcsn/aboutcsn.asp|website=www.csair.com|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309184635/http://www.csair.com/en/aboutcsn/aboutcsn.asp|archive-date=9 March 2012|url-status=dead|title=中国南方航空股份有限公司 }}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}} China Southern is also considering expanding into the South American markets, as well as further expansion into the African market.{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

On 12 December 2024, it was reported that China Southern has resumed the direct routes between Guangzhou and Adelaide, South Australia. The route was initially launched in 2016, but ceased in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Cite web |last=Australia |first=Premier of South |date=2024-12-12 |title=China Southern returns to Adelaide |url=https://www.premier.sa.gov.au/media-releases/news-items/china-southern-returns-to-adelaide |access-date=2024-12-17 |website=Premier of South Australia |language=en-AU}}

{{primary sources|section|date=December 2023}}

On 28 August 2004, China Southern Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the airline alliance SkyTeam. On 15 November 2007, the airline was officially welcomed as the 11th member of SkyTeam, becoming the first mainland Chinese airline to join any global airline alliance,[http://www.skyteam.com/EN/faq/index.jsp SkyTeam Benefits] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070622044234/http://www.skyteam.com/EN/faq/index.jsp |date=22 June 2007 }}. skyteam.com. Retrieved on 19 December 2010. expanding the alliance's presence on mainland China.

On 24 December 2018, China Southern Airlines released an official statement saying that it would discontinue its SkyTeam membership on 1 January 2019 and will also terminate its partnership with China Eastern Airlines and Delta Air Lines.{{Cite web|url=https://www.csair.com/en/about/investor/qitabaogao/2019/resource/d8f2eddb19780fd4f737bc737f3131c6.pdf|title=Update on China Southern and SkyTeam}}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

China Southern Airlines codeshares with the following airlines:{{cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/china-southern-airlines-cz |title=Profile on China Southern Airlines |website=CAPA|publisher=Centre for Aviation|access-date=2016-10-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030215612/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/china-southern-airlines-cz |archive-date=2016-10-30|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/networks/china-southern-to-keep-codeshares-after-leaving-skyteam/135936.article|title=China Southern to keep codeshares after leaving SkyTeam|website=Flight Global}}

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Aeroflot{{cite news|last1=Liu|first1=Jim|title=Aeroflot expands China Southern codeshare to Oceania in NW17|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/275501/aeroflot-expands-china-southern-codeshare-to-oceania-in-nw17/|access-date=31 October 2017|work=Routesonline|date=31 October 2017}}{{cite news |last1=Liu |first1=Jim |title=China Southern expands Aeroflot European codeshare network from July 2018 |url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/279679/china-southern-expands-aeroflot-european-codeshare-network-from-july-2018/ |access-date=20 July 2018 |work=Routesonline |date=20 July 2018}}
• Aerolíneas Argentinas
• Air Canada
• Air France {{small|(joint venture partner)}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/69021-af-klm-china-southern-xiamen-air-to-form-a-single-jv|title=AF-KLM, China Southern, Xiamen Air to form a single JV|website=Ch-Aviation|date=19 July 2018}}
• Air Serbia{{cite web|url=https://www.exyuaviation.com/2025/01/air-serbia-and-china-southern-ink.html|title=Air Serbia and China Southern ink codeshare partnership|date=14 January 2025 }}
• American Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• British Airways{{cite press release|title=British Airways Signs Codeshare Agreement with China Southern Airlines|url=http://mediacentre.britishairways.com/pressrelease/details/86/2017-228/9067?ref=TopStory|website=British Airways|publisher=International Airlines Group|location=London|language=en}}
• China Airlines
• China Express Airlines
• Emirates{{cite web |title=Emirates Forges Codeshare Partnership with China Southern Airlines |url=https://www.emirates.com/media-centre/emirates-forges-codeshare-partnership-with-china-southern-airlines |website=www.emirates.com |access-date=1 February 2019}}
• Etihad Airways
• Finnair[https://company.finnair.com/en/media/all-releases/news?id=3310824 Finnair and China Southern launch codeshare cooperation that brings five new destinations for Finnair customers in China] company.finnair.com 21 May 2019. Retrieved 21 June 2019.
• Garuda Indonesia
• Iberia
• Japan Airlines
• Kenya Airways
• KLM {{small|(joint venture partner)}}
• Korean Air
• LATAM Airlines
• Lufthansa
• Malaysia Airlines{{cite news|url=https://nst.com.my/news/nation/2023/07/927923/malaysia-airlines-china-southern-airlines-launch-codeshare-flights|website=nst.com.my|date= July 6, 2023|title=Malaysia Airlines, China Southern Airlines launch codeshare flights}}
• Mandarin Airlines
• Pakistan International Airlines
• Qantas
• Qatar Airways
• Saudia{{cite web|url=http://aviationtribune.com/airlines/middle-east/saudi-arabian-airlines-china-southern-airlines-sign-codeshare-agreement/|title=Saudi Arabian Airlines and China Southern Airlines Sign Codeshare Agreement|website=aviationtribune.com|access-date=8 September 2018|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115154006/https://aviationtribune.com/airlines/middle-east/saudi-arabian-airlines-china-southern-airlines-sign-codeshare-agreement/|url-status=dead}}
• Sichuan Airlines{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/241014-cz3ucodeshare|title=China Southern Airlines/Sichuan Airlines expands Codeshare network}}
• Vietnam Airlines
• WestJet
• XiamenAir {{small|(subsidiary)}}

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{{As of|2025|3}}, China Southern Airlines operates the following aircraft:{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

File:2010-06-30 B777 ChinaSouthern B-2073 EDDF 01.jpg landing at Frankfurt Airport in 2010]]

China Southern Cargo is the cargo subsidiary of China Southern Airlines. The cargo airline provides services between mainland China and North America, Europe, and Australia, where destinations such as Amsterdam, Anchorage, Chicago, Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Vancouver, Toronto, Vienna, and London Stansted are served from its main hub at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, with cargo flights to Amsterdam and Milan from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}}

The cargo subsidiary joined the SkyTeam Cargo alliance in November 2010 and withdrew on 1 January 2019 following the airline's withdrawal from SkyTeam.[http://www.aircargoworld.com/News/March-2010/China-Southern-to-join-SkyTeam-Cargo China Southern to join SkyTeam Cargo / March 2010 / News / Home] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100727033743/http://www.aircargoworld.com/News/March-2010/China-Southern-to-join-SkyTeam-Cargo |date=27 July 2010 }}. Air Cargo World. Retrieved on 19 December 2010.

{{More citations needed section|date=December 2020}}

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China Southern Airlines previously operated the following aircraft:{{Citation needed|date=September 2024}}

China Southern was the only mainland Chinese airline to operate the Airbus A380. The airline initially operated these aircraft on Beijing–Hong Kong and Beijing–Guangzhou routes. However, these services struggled to be profitable. Due to the demand limitation of the airline's home base at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, few routes from Guangzhou have the demand to support an A380.{{citation needed|date=January 2023}} In efforts to make its A380s viable, China Southern started operating A380 on its Guangzhou–Los Angeles route and on the Guangzhou–Sydney route.{{when|date=January 2023}} Additionally, China Southern flew A380s to Sydney and Melbourne every summer during its peak travel period. As of 20 June 2015, China Southern began operating the Airbus A380 from Beijing to Amsterdam. The A380 also operated four domestic flights each day between Beijing and Guangzhou. The airline's A380s were retired by November 2022.{{cite web |title=After all, China Southern Airlines will retire all five Airbus A380s before the end of 2022 |url=https://min.news/en/tech/9656300d73ead567d71c7eec35fd841a.html |access-date=2022-02-21 |website=MINNEWS}}

File:China Southern A330-243 B-6057 Guangzhou 2010 Asian Games.jpg|Airbus A330-243 (B-6057) in 2010 Asian Games livery

File:B-8870@PEK (20200520130233).jpg|Airbus A330-323 (B-8870) in Canton Lychee livery

File:B-6069@PEK (20190630175458).jpg|Boeing 737-800 (B-6069) in Guizhou livery

File:B-1168@SHA (20191114090326).jpg|Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (B-1168) with "787th Boeing 787" logo

File:中国南方航空“上海世赛号”（B-2007）在广州白云国际机场停靠.jpg|Boeing 777-300ER (B-2007) in WorldSkills livery

{{multiple issues|section=yes|{{More citations needed section|date=January 2021}}{{Expand section|date=February 2021}}{{primary sources|section|date=December 2023}}}}

China Southern Airlines offers First Class (formerly), Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class.

;First Class

China Southern Airlines offered an "Experience Luxurious Skybed" on Boeing 787s. It was equipped with personal privacy, in-built massage, a 17-inch personal TV and fully reclining seat. It also had First Class on Airbus A330s and Boeing 777-300ERs, which featured a seat pitch of {{convert|84|in|cm}} and converted into a fully flat bed with a personal TV.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/China_Southern/China_Southern_Boeing_777-300ER.php|title=SeatGuru Seat Map China Southern|website=www.seatguru.com|access-date=2019-05-27}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/China_Southern/China_Southern_Airbus_A330-300.php|title=SeatGuru Seat Map China Southern|website=www.seatguru.com|access-date=2019-05-27}}

China Southern Airlines offered Premium First Class on select flights, such as on the Beijing-Guangzhou route. This cabin offered more amenities and was more spacious than Regular First Class, such as a variety of lighting options and a private storage cabinet with a password lock.{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/luxury_first.shtml|title=China Southern Airlines – First Class|publisher=China Southern Airlines|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927000130/http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/luxury_first.shtml|url-status=dead}}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

;Business Class

Business Class also offers a fully flat bed, and an adjustable privacy divider. It includes a USB port and a reading light. It also has a 15-inch TV.{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/first_business.shtml|title=China Southern Airlines – First Class|publisher=China Southern Airlines|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-date=27 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170927052227/http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/first_business.shtml|url-status=dead}}{{Update inline|date=January 2021|reason=}}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

;Economy Class

Economy Class features a seat and a 9-inch personal TV. It also has a multi-adjustable headrest.{{cite web|url=http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/high_economy.shtml|title=China Southern Airlines – First Class|publisher=China Southern Airlines|access-date=15 August 2014|archive-date=19 August 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819103020/http://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/flight_service/tour/high_economy.shtml|url-status=dead}}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

;{{visible anchor|Premium Economy Class}}

China Southern also offers Premium Economy class, which is more spacious than economy class. In most aircraft, the seats are {{Convert|35|–|37|in|cm}}, compared to {{Convert|31|in|cm}} in Economy.{{Cite journal|title=China Southern to offer premium economy on domestic routes|journal=Flight International |date=18 March 2010|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/china-southern-to-offer-premium-economy-on-domestic-339608/|access-date=21 October 2011}} The Boeing 777-300ERs, however, are equipped with fixed-shell premium economy seats similar to those seen on Air France's Boeing 777s.{{Cite web|url=https://www.seatguru.com/airlines/China_Southern/China_Southern_Airbus_A330-200.php|title=SeatGuru Seat Map China Southern Airbus A330-200 (332) V2|website=www.seatguru.com|access-date=2017-10-15}}

{{primary sources|section|date=December 2023}}

China Southern Airlines's frequent-flyer program is called Sky Pearl Club ({{lang-zh|s=明珠俱乐部|t=明珠俱樂部|p=Míngzhū Jùlèbù|j=ming4 zyu1 keoi1 lok6 bou6}}). The Sky Pearl Club allows its members to earn FFP mileage not only by flying China Southern domestic segments, but also by flying routes of other codeshare member airlines. Additionally, Sky Pearl Club members can earn and use mileage on partnered Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and China Airlines flights. Membership of Sky Pearl Club is divided into four tiers: Sky Pearl Gold Card, Sky Pearl Silver Card, Sky Pearl Member Card and Little Pearl On The Palm Card, the first three tier are available for all adult members, but Little Pearl On The Palm Card is only available for members aged 2–11.{{Cite web|url=http://skypearl.csair.com/en/member_en.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101127045556/http://skypearl.csair.com/en/member_en.html|title=China Southern – Sky Pearl Club|archive-date=27 November 2010}}{{primary source inline|date=December 2023}}

• On 2 October 1990, a hijacked Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737 crashed into a China Southern Airlines Boeing 757 and a China Southwest Airlines Boeing 707, killing 128 people in total.
• On 24 November 1992, China Southern Airlines Flight 3943, a Boeing 737-300, crashed into a hill near Guilin, Guangxi, due to an engine thrust malfunction. All 141 people on board were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=11241992®=B-2523&airline=China+Southern+Airlines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930033952/http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=11241992®=B-2523&airline=China+Southern+Airlines|archive-date=30 September 2007|title=Accident Database: Accident Synopsis 11241992|url-status=usurped|access-date=9 May 2015}}"[https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0CE4D71538F936A15752C1A964958260 Jet Crashes in China, Killing 141; 5th Serious Accident in 4 Months]." The New York Times.
• On 8 May 1997, China Southern Flight 3456, a Boeing 737-300, crashed on approach to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport killing 35 people and injuring 9.{{cite web|url=http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=05081997®=B-2925&airline=China+Southern+Airlines |title=Accident Database: Accident Synopsis 05081997 |access-date=9 May 2015 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130524145940/http://www.airdisaster.com/cgi-bin/view_details.cgi?date=05081997®=B-2925&airline=China+Southern+Airlines |archive-date=24 May 2013 }}

;Shipping of primates to laboratories

In 2013, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found the airline had transported more than 1,000 monkeys into the United States through the arrangements of Air Transport International, without federal permission to do so, and had transported the animals in insecure crates. The USDA ordered China Southern Airlines to pay $11,600 in fines for violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) during the airline's transport of monkeys to laboratories in the United States. Although the USDA cited Air Transport International for failure to provide food and water to the imported animals, China Southern Airlines was previously also ordered to pay $14,438 for AWA violations during one transport that left more than a dozen monkeys dead after they went without food and water for an extended period of time. Following these most recent violations, where the delivered animals were left neglected after arrival in the US, China Southern announced that it would no longer transport laboratory animals to the US. PETA had protested against the airline for these shipments.{{cite news|last1=Huang|first1=Shaojie|title=U.S. Charter Airline Cited for Neglecting Cargo of Macaques From China|date=8 January 2015 |url=http://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/08/u-s-charter-airline-cited-for-neglecting-cargo-of-macaques-from-china/?_r=1|access-date=28 January 2015|agency=New York Times|publisher=Sinosphere}}{{cite news|last1=Huang|first1=Shaojie|title=China Southern Pays U.S. Fine Over Monkey Cargo|date=21 April 2014 |url=http://sinosphere.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/21/china-southern-pays-u-s-fine-over-monkey-cargo/|access-date=28 January 2015|agency=New York Times|publisher=Sinosphere}}

;10 yuan ticketing glitch

In November 2023, the airline inadvertently priced its tickets as low as 10 yuan (around $1.37) on its mobile app and travel websites like Trip.com, due to a technical glitch.{{cite web |last1=Tan |first1=Huileng |title=An airline in China accidentally sold tickets for as little as $1.40 — and it's honoring the deal |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/china-southern-airline-ticket-fares-accident-system-glitch-flights-2023-11 |website=Business Insider |access-date=24 February 2024}} The airline later confirmed on Weibo that the tickets sold during the two-hour window would be honored.{{cite news|last1=Baum|first1=Bernadette|title=China Southern to honour $1.30 flight tickets sold during glitch|date=9 November 2023 |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-southern-honour-130-flight-tickets-sold-during-glitch-2023-11-09/|access-date=11 November 2023|publisher=Reuter}}

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• {{Official website|http://global.csair.com/|name=Global.csair.com: official China Southern Airlines website}}—{{in lang|en}}
• {{Official website|http://www.csair.com/cn/|name=Csair.com: official China Southern Airlines website}}—{{in lang|zh}}
• {{Official website|http://www.xjair.com/|name=Xjair.com: China Southern Airlines—Xinjiang Air website}}

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