Quick verdict
Shenzhen Airlines and Sichuan Airlines each have distinct advantages. Shenzhen Airlines tends to offer competitive pricing and a modern fleet, creating a comfortable flying experience with broad route coverage especially in domestic and some international markets. Sichuan Airlines is known for strong in-flight service and a growing network that connects many secondary cities, making it valuable for regional travelers. While Shenzhen Airlines suits budget-conscious passengers who value extensive routes and comfort, Sichuan Airlines is better suited for those prioritizing personalized service and regional connectivity.
At a glance
Search your flight
This comparison covers key aspects of two prominent Chinese airlines, Shenzhen Airlines and Sichuan Airlines. We explore their pricing strategies, fleet composition, level of comfort, quality of service, and route networks to help travelers make informed decisions.
About Shenzhen Airlines Read more
Overview
Shenzhen Airlines is a Chinese carrier headquartered at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. According to Wikipedia, it was founded in November 1992 and began flying on 17 September 1993. Air China owns 51%, Shenzhen International Holdings 28.1% and Kunhang Investment 20.9%. The airline has been a Star Alliance member since 2012. It also owns 80% of Kunming Airlines.
Network and hubs
Shenzhen is the main hub. Focus cities are Beijing Capital, Guangzhou, Nanning, Shenyang, Wuxi and Zhengzhou. The airline serves around 79 destinations, mostly in mainland China and Asia. A third-party report says nonstop Sydney–Shenzhen flights will start on 14 December 2026, four times weekly with an Airbus A330-300.
Fleet
As of June 2026, Wikipedia lists 205 aircraft in service:
- Airbus A320-200: 76
- Airbus A320neo: 30
- Airbus A321neo: 6
- Airbus A330-300: 6
- Airbus A350-900: 1
- Boeing 737-800: 71
- Boeing 737 MAX 8: 15
About 35 more are on order. Air China is reported to be transferring A350s to the airline, and a July 2026 report mentions a purchase of 40 A320neo-family aircraft for delivery between 2029 and 2032. The infobox gives a slightly different total of 202.
On board
Narrowbody aircraft have Business and Economy cabins. The A330-300 is listed with 18 business, 24 premium economy and 267 economy seats, and the A350-900 with 32 business, 24 premium economy and 256 economy seats. Information on seat pitch, entertainment, meals and Wi-Fi was not confirmed from official sources.
Good to know
- Baggage: Shenzhen airport guidance gives domestic free checked allowances of 20 kg in economy, 30 kg in business and 40 kg in first. Cabin bags are limited to 5 kg domestically and 7 kg internationally, at 20 x 40 x 55 cm. International allowances vary by route and fare, and third-party sites report one 23 kg bag in economy. Check the airline's own page before travelling.
- Loyalty: the programme is PhoenixMiles, and Star Alliance Gold members are reported to receive extra baggage.
- Fees and lounges: change fees and lounge details were not verified.
About Sichuan Airlines Read more
Overview
Sichuan Airlines is described by Wikipedia as the largest airline in Western China. It was established on 19 September 1986 and operated its first flight on 14 July 1988, between Chengdu and Wanzhou. It was restructured as Sichuan Airlines Co., Ltd. in 2002. Shareholders are Sichuan Airlines Group (40%), China Southern (39%), China Eastern (10%), Air China Group (10%) and Chengdu Gingko Restaurant (1%). Its headquarters are at Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport. It does not belong to a global alliance. It owns Chengdu Airlines, a regional carrier. Trade press reported in late 2025 that a Chinese state-owned enterprise had formalised a 45.8% stake in the Sichuan Airlines Group (ch-aviation).
Network and hubs
The airline lists hubs at Chengdu Shuangliu, Chengdu Tianfu, Chongqing Jiangbei and Kunming Changshui. Focus cities include Beijing Capital, Harbin, Hangzhou, Lhasa, Nanning, Sanya and Xi'an. Wikipedia gives 151 destinations. Most flying is within East Asia. Other destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Western Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and North America. Its first long-haul route, Chengdu to Vancouver, began in June 2012, and Melbourne followed in February 2013. Chengdu to Male is flown with the A321LR. AeroRoutes reports regional service changes at Chengdu from late July 2026.
Fleet
As of October 2025, Wikipedia lists an all-Airbus fleet of 213 aircraft, including 9 freighters. Passenger types and in-service numbers are:
- A319-100: 18
- A320-200: 55
- A320neo: 38
- A321-200: 46
- A321neo: 21
- A321LR: 6
- A330-200: 4
- A330-300: 7
- A350-900: 9
Orders include three A350-900s, three A320neos, three A321neos and 20 Comac C919s. In December 2025, ch-aviation reported that the airline planned to sell six A320-200s.
On board
Wikipedia's fleet table shows business and economy cabins. An A320-200 seats about 8 in business and 150 in economy. The A350-900 seats 28 in business and 303 in economy, 331 in total. The A330-300 seats 24 to 36 in business, depending on the aircraft. Seat pitch, meal service, entertainment and Wi-Fi vary by aircraft and route. Check these on the official website before booking.
Good to know
- Loyalty programme: Golden Panda Club. Higher-tier members receive free upgrades, lounge access and extra baggage allowance, according to Wikipedia.
- Baggage allowances and change fees depend on fare and route. Confirm them on the airline's website.
- No published on-time figure was found for this profile.
- In March 2026, ch-aviation reported that executives at the airline were under investigation for violations.
Related airline comparisons
Compare the airlines
Compare two airlines side-by-side to see the real difference
We use cookies to keep the site working, understand how it is used, and show relevant content and ads. Choose Accept all to allow them, or Reject all to keep only the cookies the site needs. Read more in our Privacy Policy.