Spring Airlines

Spring Airlines
春秋航空股份有限公司

IATA ICAO Call sign 9C CQH AIR SPRING
Founded	26 May 2004; 21 years ago (2004-05-26)
Operating bases	Shanghai–Hongqiao Shanghai–Pudong Shijiazhuang
Frequent-flyer program	Spring Pass
Subsidiaries	Spring Japan (30%)
Fleet size	134
Destinations	103[1]
Parent company	Spring Airlines Ltd.
Traded as	SSE: 601021
Headquarters	Changning, Shanghai, China
Key people	Zhang Xiuzhi (CEO)
Website	www.ch.com

Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. (Chinese: 春秋航空股份有限公司; pinyin: Chūnqiū Hángkōng Gǔfèn Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī; lit. 'Spring-Autumn Airline Limited Share/Stock Company') is a low-cost carrier headquartered in Changning, Shanghai, China.^[2][3] While the company adopted the English name "Spring Airlines", the Chinese name literally means "Spring-Autumn Airlines."

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

The airline was given approval to be established on 26 May 2004. Its first aircraft, an Airbus A320 (formerly Lotus Air's), 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 may purchase meals and beverages on board. In December 2006, the airline offered a 1-yuan promotional price which caused trouble with government officials.^[4]

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^[5] 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.^[6]

Corporate affairs and identity

Branding and livery

The Spring Airlines logo is designed with the initials "S" of Spring Airlines. It is composed of three overlapping and intersecting S's, which represents interaction, unity, and connection.
Spring Airlines' 3S logo stands for Safety, Smile, and Sincerity.
Spring Airlines' signature move of flying whenever you want is sliding the right palm toward the top of the left shoulder, symbolizing the ideal soaring into the sky.^[7]

History of Spring Airlines liveries

A Airbus A320 in the first generation livery at Shanghai Pudong International Airport.

A Airbus A320-214 in the second generation livery at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

An Airbus A320-214 in the current 2021 livery at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport.

Destinations

As of November 2024^[update], Spring Airlines flies to the following destinations:

Fleet

As of August 2025^[update], Spring Airlines operates an all-Airbus A320 family fleet composed of the following aircraft:^[24]

Accidents and incidents

• On 6 June 2014, at Xiamen Gaoqi International 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.^[25]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Spring Airlines.

• Official website