Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. (Chinese: 春秋航空股份有限公司; pinyin: Chūnqiū Hángkōng Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī) is a low-cost carrier with its headquarters in the Homeyo Hotel (Chinese: 航友宾馆; pinyin: Hángyǒu Bīnguǎn) in Changning District, Shanghai, China.[1][2] While the company adopted the English name "Spring Airlines", the Chinese name literally means "Spring Autumn Airlines".

Spring Airlines
春秋航空
Chūnqiū Hángkōng

IATA ICAO Callsign 9C CQH AIR SPRING
Founded	26 May 2004; 18 years ago (2004-05-26)
Hubs	Shanghai–Hongqiao Shanghai–Pudong
Focus cities	Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport
Frequent-flyer program	Spring Pass
Subsidiaries	Spring Airlines Japan
Fleet size	116
Destinations	100
Parent company	Spring Airlines Ltd.
Headquarters	Shanghai, China
Key people	Wang Yu
Website	ch.com

Spring Airlines is the aviation subsidiary of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service. It reported a net profit of 950 million yuan ($143 million) in 2016. ^{[citation needed]}

History and development

The airline was given approval to be established on 26 May 2004. Its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 (formerly of Lotus Air), was delivered on 12 July 2005, at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport. Spring Airlines started operations on 18 July 2005 and the first flight on that day was between Shanghai and Yantai. Daily flights to Guilin were also initiated.

To keep operating costs low, Spring sells tickets exclusively from its ch.com website (and some designated ticket offices), bypassing travel agents. Spring no longer offers complimentary on-board meals nor complimentary water; however passengers are able to purchase meals and beverages on board. In December 2006, the airline offered a 1-yuan promotional price which caused trouble with government officials.[3]

In late July 2009, Spring's plan to establish overseas routes was granted by the General Administration of Civil Aviation of the People's Republic of China, making it the first budget airline in China to explore the international market. The airline had plans to operate short-distance 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.

On July 29, 2010, Spring Airlines launched its first international route linking its home city Shanghai and Japan's Ibaraki Airport, about 80 kilometers northeast of Tokyo.^{[citation needed]} 2 months later, on September 28, the airline successfully introduced its first flight from Shanghai to Hong Kong with almost full passengers on board.^{[citation needed]} Spring's daily flights from Shanghai to Macau commenced on 8 April 2011[4] with further international destinations following in the second half of 2011.

Since January 2015, the company has been listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

Spring Airlines also operates a subsidiary in Japan and is the first Chinese airline to do so.[5]

Destinations

Fleet

As of May 2022^[update], the Spring Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft:[6][7][8]

Accidents and incidents

On June 6, 2014, at Xiamen Airport, an Airbus A320 operated by Spring Airlines experienced a runway excursion on the right side of the runway and struck a runway light. The pilot then attempted to go around, causing a tail strike. There were no injuries, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage. An investigation was conducted by China's Accident Investigation Board.[9]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Spring Airlines.

• Official website

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