Hong Kong Airlines vs China Southern Airlines

Overview

Hong Kong Airlines is a Hong Kong-based carrier with headquarters in Tung Chung. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 28 March 2001 as CR Airways and renamed Hong Kong Airlines in September 2006. It is part of the HNA group and is not a member of a global alliance. It is a separate company from Cathay Pacific's subsidiaries Cathay Pacific, HK Express and Air Hong Kong.

Network and hubs

The sole hub is Hong Kong International Airport. The network covers mainland China, Japan, South-East Asia, Taiwan and Australia, with Vancouver as a North American destination. Recent additions include Urumqi (two weekly A330-300 flights from 29 August 2026) and Lanzhou (weekly, from May 2026).

Fleet

As of August 2026, Wikipedia lists 17 Airbus A320-200s, 3 A321-200s and 5 A330-300s in passenger service, about 25 aircraft. Six A330-200 freighters are listed in the same table; they belong to the cargo business, which is not open to passengers.

On board

• Cabins: Business and Economy. One A330-300 layout has 32 Business and 260 Economy seats.
• Entertainment: Personal TVs are fitted on A330s. Selected short-haul flights offer a Wi-Fi-based inflight intranet with video on demand.
• Dining: The airline has introduced an upgraded menu, according to Time Out Hong Kong. Meal inclusion varies by route and fare, so check when booking.

Good to know

• Baggage: From 7 May 2025, economy passengers get one checked bag starting at 23 kg and a 7 kg cabin bag. Business Class gets 64 kg across two pieces and two cabin bags totalling 15 kg. Allowances can differ on short regional routes, so check the airline's site for your ticket.
• Lounges: Per a 2025 press release, a premium lounge is open to Business Class passengers, Fortune Wings Club Platinum and Gold members and some other eligible travellers.
• Loyalty: The programme is Fortune Wings Club, shared with several Chinese sister airlines.
• Pets: In-cabin pet travel was introduced on selected Japan routes (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) in 2025.

Fares, on-time figures and change fees were not found in the sources checked. Confirm them with the airline before booking.

Overview

China Southern Airlines is one of China's "Big Three" carriers. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 1 July 1988 and began operating as China Southern Airlines on 1 February 1991. It is headquartered in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, and is a subsidiary of China Southern Air Holding. Its shares trade in Shanghai (600029) and Hong Kong (1055). The airline was a SkyTeam member from 2007 and is no longer listed as a member of any alliance.

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Guangzhou, Beijing–Daxing and Shenzhen. Secondary hubs include Chongqing, Shanghai–Pudong, Ürümqi, Wuhan and Zhengzhou. Wikipedia lists 233 destinations. The carrier has promoted a "Canton Route" linking Europe and Australia through Guangzhou, started with services from Guangzhou to London Heathrow.

Fleet

Wikipedia gives a December 2025 fleet of 708 aircraft for China Southern Airlines alone. The figure is 972 when cargo aircraft and subsidiaries are included. Subsidiaries and affiliates include Chongqing Airlines (60%), XiamenAir (55%), Xiongan Airlines and a 39% stake in Sichuan Airlines. The fleet includes Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Travellers should check the airline's website for the current breakdown by type.

On board

The airline sells Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins, and has previously offered a First Class on some long-haul aircraft. Wikipedia describes lie-flat Business seats with privacy dividers on long-haul aircraft, and personal screens in Economy on some types. Cabin products vary by aircraft, so check the specific flight. Meal and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources used.

Good to know

• Loyalty: the programme is Sky Pearl Club. Members can earn miles on China Southern flights and on codeshare partners, including Sichuan Airlines.
• Baggage and fees: allowances depend on route and fare. Check the booking page before travelling, as no figures were verified here.
• Punctuality: no published on-time figure was found.

Source: China Southern Airlines, Wikipedia, accessed 11 October 2026.