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Spring Airlines
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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."

Key Information

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

[edit]

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

[edit]

Branding and livery

[edit]
Spring Airlines logo

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

[edit]
An Airbus A320-200 at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport.
Spring Airlines Airbus A320-214 at Kansai Airport.
Passengers boarding a Spring Airlines aircraft via airstair.

As of November 2024, Spring Airlines flies to the following destinations:

Country City Airport Notes Refs
Cambodia Phnom Penh Techo International Airport [8]
Siem Reap Siem Reap International Airport Airport Closed
China Baishan Changbaishan Airport
Beijing Beijing Capital International Airport Terminated
Changchun Changchun Longjia International Airport
Changsha Changsha Huanghua International Airport
Chengdu Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport
Chongqing Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport
Dalian Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport
Fuzhou Fuzhou Changle International Airport
Guangzhou Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guilin Guilin Liangjiang International Airport
Guiyang Guiyang Longdongbao International Airport
Hangzhou Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport
Harbin Harbin Taiping International Airport
Hohhot Hohhot Baita International Airport
Huaihua Huaihua Zhijiang Airport
Jieyang Jieyang Chaoshan International Airport [9]
Jinan Jinan Yaoqiang International Airport
Kunming Kunming Changshui International Airport
Mianyang Mianyang Nanjiao Airport
Lanzhou Lanzhou Zhongchuan International Airport
Nanjing Nanjing Lukou International Airport
Nanning Nanning Wuxu International Airport
Ningbo Ningbo Lishe International Airport
Qianjiang Qianjiang Wulingshan Airport
Qionghai Qionghai Bo'ao Airport
Quanzhou Quanzhou Jinjiang International Airport
Sanya Sanya Phoenix International Airport
Shanghai Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Hub
Shanghai Pudong International Airport Hub
Shenzhen Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport
Shenyang Shenyang Taoxian International Airport
Shijiazhuang Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport Focus city
Tangshan Tangshan Sannühe Airport
Tianjin Tianjin Binhai International Airport
Ürümqi Ürümqi Diwopu International Airport
Wuxi Sunan Shuofang International Airport
Xi'an Xi'an Xianyang International Airport
Xiamen Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport
Xuzhou Xuzhou Guanyin Airport [10]
Zhanjiang Zhanjiang Wuchuan Airport
Zhuhai Zhuhai Jinwan Airport
Zunyi Zunyi Xinzhou Airport
Hong Kong Hong Kong Hong Kong International Airport
Indonesia Denpasar Ngurah Rai International Airport
Japan Fukuoka Fukuoka Airport [11]
Omitama Ibaraki Airport
Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport [12]
Okinawa Naha Airport [13]
Osaka Kansai International Airport [12]
Saga Saga Airport [12]
Sapporo New Chitose Airport [12]
Takamatsu Takamatsu Airport [12]
Tokyo Narita International Airport [12]
Macau Macau Macau International Airport [9]
Malaysia Johor Bahru Senai International Airport Terminated [14]
Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu International Airport
Kuala Lumpur Kuala Lumpur International Airport [15]
Tawau Tawau Airport
Myanmar Yangon Yangon International Airport [16]
Singapore Singapore Changi Airport
South Korea Busan Gimhae International Airport [17]
Jeju Jeju International Airport
Seoul Incheon International Airport
Taiwan Kaohsiung Kaohsiung International Airport [18]
Taipei Taoyuan International Airport
Thailand Bangkok Don Mueang International Airport [19]
Suvarnabhumi Airport
Chiang Mai Chiang Mai International Airport
Surat Thani Surat Thani Airport Terminated
Phuket Phuket International Airport
Vietnam Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport [20]
Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport [21][22]

Codeshare agreements

[edit]

Spring Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

Fleet

[edit]

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

Spring Airlines Airbus A320-214.
Spring Airlines fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Passengers Notes
Airbus A320-200 75 174
180
186
Airbus A320neo 47 7 186
Airbus A321neo 12 4 240
Total 134 11

On 29 December 2025, Spring Airlines agreed to buy 30 A320neo aircraft, the jets are expected to arrive in 2028 and 2032, the deal still needs government approval.[25]

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • 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.[26]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Spring Airlines Co., Ltd. is a based in , , operating as a of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service Ltd. Founded in 2004, it commenced commercial operations on July 18, 2005, with its inaugural flight from to , marking it as China's first private low-cost airline. The company provides passenger and cargo transportation services, along with ancillary offerings such as air mail, baggage handling, and insurance products, focusing on domestic routes within , , Macao, and , as well as international flights primarily across . With a fleet of 134 consisting exclusively of the , Spring Airlines serves over 190 domestic destinations and more than 50 international and regional routes to countries including , , , and other Southeast Asian nations. The airline emphasizes cost efficiency and innovation, offering fares approximately 30% lower than market while maintaining a high average load factor of 91.49% in 2024. It reported revenue of nearly 20 billion CNY and of over 2.2 billion CNY for the year 2024, underscoring its profitability in a competitive market. Spring Airlines has earned recognition for its safety record and operational reliability, including the "7 Star Safety Rated Airline" designation from Airline Ratings in October 2025 and the "Four-Star Flight Safety Award" in June 2025, along with ranking first in on-time performance among major Chinese domestic carriers in 2024. Headquartered at No. 2599 Hongqiao Road in Shanghai's Changning District, the airline is publicly traded on the under the ticker 601021 and continues to expand through subsidiaries like Spring Airlines Japan.

History

Founding and early operations

Spring Airlines was established in 2004 as a of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service (Group) Co., Ltd., marking it as China's first private . The airline received approval from the (CAAC) on 26 May 2004 to begin operations, with its initial headquarters located in 's Changning District. This setup allowed the company to leverage the parent travel agency's established network in the tourism sector, focusing on providing affordable air travel to domestic passengers. The airline's inaugural commercial flight took place on 18 July 2005, operating from to Yantai Laishan International Airport. Early operations emphasized domestic short-haul routes, primarily connecting to secondary cities across , with fares set approximately 40% below those of traditional competitors to attract price-sensitive travelers. This strategy involved direct online and mobile bookings without reliance on traditional travel agents or the TravelSky system, enabling cost efficiencies from the outset. To support its low-cost model, Spring Airlines selected an all-Airbus A320 family fleet, starting with a single leased A320 delivered in July 2005, chosen for its and commonality in . The focus on this narrow-body type facilitated high utilization on short routes, minimizing turnaround times and operational expenses. A key milestone in its initial years came in , when the airline transported 1.13 million passengers across 6,713 flights, demonstrating rapid market acceptance and achieving break-even within the first year.

Expansion and milestones

Following its establishment in 2005 with initial domestic routes from , Spring Airlines began its international expansion in July 2010 by launching its first overseas service from to in . This marked the airline's entry into the global market as China's first private carrier to operate scheduled international flights, focusing initially on short-haul Asian destinations to leverage low-cost efficiencies. In 2012, Spring Airlines established a strategic foothold in through a 33% stake in Spring Japan, a low-cost based at Narita Airport, aimed at enhancing connectivity between and Japanese cities while adapting to local regulations. By 2021, Spring Airlines' ownership in the venture had adjusted to 30% following ' increased investment, allowing the to operate independently with aircraft on regional routes. This partnership supported broader pan-Asian growth, with Spring Japan serving as a bridge for cross-border traffic. A key financial milestone occurred on , 2015, when Spring Airlines listed on the under the ticker SSE: 601021, raising capital to fuel fleet expansion and route development amid rising domestic demand. The listing solidified the airline's position as a publicly traded , enabling investments in an all-Airbus A320 family fleet and international network growth to over 50 destinations by the late 2010s. The prompted temporary suspensions of numerous international routes in 2020, aligning with China's strict travel restrictions and global lockdowns that reduced air traffic by over 60% compared to 2019. Spring Airlines shifted emphasis to domestic operations during this period, achieving a relatively swift recovery by 2021 through increased frequencies on intra-China routes and government-supported stimulus measures, which helped restore passenger volumes and load factors above 90%. As of August 2025, Spring Airlines' fleet had expanded to 134 A320-series aircraft, supporting enhanced operational capacity across its network of over 190 domestic and 50 international routes. In October 2025, reports emerged of the airline considering a potential secondary listing in to access new capital markets and support further growth, though the company later clarified no immediate plans were confirmed. In November 2025, amid escalating tensions between and , Spring Airlines introduced free cancellations and flight changes for passengers on Japan-bound routes in response to a government travel advisory.

Corporate affairs

Ownership and governance

Spring Airlines is a of Shanghai Spring International Travel Service (Group) Co., Ltd., which serves as the majority stakeholder holding approximately 51.9% of the company's shares. The airline has been publicly listed on the (SSE) since January 21, 2015, with the remaining approximately 48.1% of shares held by public investors and other institutional holders. The 's leadership is headed by Chairman Wang Yu, who has served in executive roles since 2008, and President Wang Zhijie, appointed in 2017, both emphasizing and cost control in line with the airline's low-cost model. Zhang Xiuzhi, a co-founder since the airline's establishment in 2005, remains a board member and contributes to strategic oversight. The comprises a mix of executive and independent directors, ensuring balanced decision-making. Key committees include the , which oversees financial reporting and internal controls; the nomination committee, responsible for director selection; and the compensation committee, which manages . As of December 31, 2024, Spring Airlines employs approximately 8,489 full-time staff. Headquartered in , the company maintains governance practices in strict adherence to SSE disclosure requirements and regulations set by the (CAAC).

Financial performance

Spring Airlines has demonstrated steady revenue growth in recent years, reflecting its recovery and expansion in the market. As of June 2025, the airline reported a trailing 12-month of $2.83 billion, supported by increased passenger traffic and route diversification. For 2024, reached approximately $2.78 billion, marking an improvement from $2.52 billion in 2023, driven by domestic and international demand rebound. The company's profitability remains a standout in China's aviation sector, underpinned by its cost-efficient model. In the first half of 2025, Spring Airlines achieved a net profit of CNY 1.2 billion (about $164.7 million), a 14% decline year-over-year due to rising costs and competitive pressures, yet it retained its position as China's most profitable carrier amid losses at larger state-owned airlines. In the third quarter of 2025, the reported a net profit of CNY 1.167 billion. This low-cost structure emphasizes operational efficiencies, such as a uniform single-class cabin configuration across its fleet and the absence of complimentary in-flight meals or beverages, which passengers purchase if desired, helping to maintain unit costs below industry averages. Following the , Spring Airlines returned to profitability in with a net profit of RMB 39 million after recording losses in 2020, showcasing resilience through cargo operations and domestic route adjustments during travel restrictions. The airline has maintained consistent payments to shareholders since 2016, distributing amounts such as CNY 0.21 per share in 2016 and continuing annually thereafter, signaling . As of November 2025, its stands at approximately CNY 58 billion, reflecting investor confidence in its growth trajectory. Looking ahead, analysts project Spring Airlines to sustain annual growth of 9-12% through 2027, fueled by fleet expansions and new international routes that enhance and in . This outlook positions the airline to capitalize on the recovering global travel sector while leveraging its cost advantages for sustained margins.

Branding and identity

Logo and slogans

The logo of Spring Airlines features a stylized emblem composed of three overlapping "S" shapes, introduced in 2005 upon the airline's founding, symbolizing the core principles of , Sincerity, and Smile, collectively known as the "3S" philosophy. The design represents interaction, unity, and connection among these values, with the green color palette evoking , growth, , and a sense of calm confidence to align with the airline's commitment to reliable and approachable service. Since its debut, the has undergone no major redesigns, though minor refinements have been made over time to enhance digital compatibility and visual clarity across platforms, ensuring consistent representation of the brand's foundational identity. Spring Airlines' primary , "Don't think, Just fly!", has been in use since the airline's , emphasizing effortless and affordable by encouraging spontaneous bookings without overcomplication, often accompanied by a signature gesture of sliding the right palm upward to mimic free-flying wings. This underscores the carrier's low-cost model, promoting accessibility and simplicity for budget-conscious travelers. The airline's branding philosophy centers on a "low-cost, high-efficiency" approach as China's pioneering low-fare carrier, prioritizing affordability, safety, punctuality, and customer-friendly personalization to differentiate from full-service competitors while delivering value-driven experiences. This ethos is reflected in direct online sales channels and a focus on cost-effectiveness without compromising core service standards. The and are applied uniformly across Spring Airlines' digital platforms, employee uniforms, and marketing materials, with the emblem integrated into for cohesive brand visibility.

Livery and visual elements

Spring Airlines' have undergone several updates since the airline's in 2005, reflecting adaptations to branding needs and while maintaining a core palette of and to symbolize vitality and affordability. The inaugural livery featured a predominantly fuselage accented by a solid tail fin, with the airline's "china-sss.com" printed prominently on the side to promote direct online bookings—a pioneering move for Chinese carriers at the time. In 2007, the received its first major revision, enlarging the text for greater visibility amid the growing popularity of travel services, while retaining the basic white body and green tail structure. Subsequent iterations introduced subtle orange accents to the elements, enhancing visual dynamism without altering the fundamental low-cost aesthetic. These changes emphasized and cost efficiency, aligning with the airline's . The third and current livery generation, introduced on December 3, 2021, streamlines the design for a more contemporary appearance. It consists of a clean white bearing the name "Spring Airlines" in bold, slightly tilted black lettering for a sense of speed and stability, with the English "SPRINGAIRLINES" in matching tail colors below. The tail fin displays a seven-layer transitioning from deep at the top to yellow-green at the bottom, extending along the belly for a vibrant, flowing effect, complemented by a golden 3S logo. The word "Spring" features an integrated matching the tail, while the former "ch.com" domain has been omitted to reduce clutter and evoke a , . This update reinforces Spring Airlines' youthful, energetic identity as China's leading . Crew uniforms are -based, prioritizing simplicity, functionality, and comfort to support efficient operations in a high-volume environment. Introduced in phases, the attire includes tailored suits for pilots and cabin crew, with updates focusing on breathable fabrics and ergonomic fits to enhance wearability during long shifts. Visual standards across Spring Airlines maintain a consistent and orange palette, extending the livery's colors to airport signage, in-flight materials, and marketing collateral for unified brand recognition. This cohesive approach underscores the airline's focus on accessibility and modernity. Special liveries include promotional variants, such as the 2021 Oishi-branded A320 (B-8248) featuring an all-over orange scheme to advertise the snack partner, and the 2024 Bosideng-branded A320 (B-6862) with a colorful promoting the apparel partner, highlighting the airline's for sponsored designs that generate without compromising core operations. The overall rationale prioritizes cost-effectiveness through minimalistic elements that minimize repaint expenses, while the modern, streamlined aesthetic bolsters the low-cost carrier's image of efficiency and approachability.

Operations

Business model and services

Spring Airlines operates as China's first low-cost carrier, employing a point-to-point route model that emphasizes direct connections between secondary cities to reduce operational costs and turnaround times. The airline prioritizes high aircraft utilization, averaging approximately 9.3 flight hours per day per aircraft in 2024, which exceeds typical industry benchmarks for full-service carriers and supports its cost-efficiency strategy. This no-frills approach provides basic transportation without complimentary amenities, instead offering paid add-ons such as , onboard meals, and priority boarding to generate additional income while keeping base fares low. The free carry-on baggage allowance for international routes, including China-Japan, is one piece up to 7 kg with dimensions not exceeding 20×30×40 cm; excess baggage is charged as checked baggage. Ancillary revenues form a key component of Spring Airlines' business, derived primarily from fees for excess baggage, seat selection, and in-flight purchases like meals and beverages, which accounted for about 13.3% of total revenue in recent years. These services allow passengers to customize their experience at an extra cost, aligning with the pay-for-what-you-use philosophy common among low-cost carriers. The airline's primary hubs are located at (SHA) and (PVG), with secondary operations based in and to facilitate efficient network coverage. Passenger services focus on simplicity and affordability, featuring a single layout with 180 seats in a high-density configuration on its A320 fleet. In-flight entertainment is not provided through onboard systems; instead, passengers are encouraged to use their personal devices for . Spring Airlines does not offer access to lounges, reinforcing its budget-oriented model. For policies, the enforces strict fees for no-shows and changes, to encourage adherence to reservations. Its , SpringPass, enables members to earn points on eligible flights for redemption on tickets, upgrades, and other services. In sustainability efforts, Spring Airlines maintains a fuel-efficient fleet through ongoing modernization with modern , which reduce emissions compared to older models. The carrier adopted paperless boarding nationwide in starting in 2018, contributing to reduced paper usage across its operations as one of the 35 participating airlines.

Destinations and routes

Spring Airlines operates a network serving a total of 111 destinations as of November 2025, with 85 domestic locations within and 26 international points across 11 countries, predominantly in . The airline's primary hubs are located at and , which facilitate the majority of its operations, while secondary bases such as support regional expansions. Domestically, Spring Airlines maintains over 130 routes connecting more than 85 cities, with a strong emphasis on eastern and southern provinces. Key connections link major urban centers including , , , , , , and , enabling high-frequency services that align with the airline's low-cost model focused on efficient point-to-point travel. In March 2025, the carrier expanded its Guangzhou base by adding four new routes, including a domestic link to alongside international extensions. Internationally, Spring Airlines flies to over 80 routes spanning 26 destinations in 11 countries and regions, prioritizing , , and select Pacific locations. Prominent routes include services to (such as , , , Fukuoka, Sapporo, and Okinawa), (, , and ), (), (), (), and , with recent 2025 additions from to and enhancing tourism-focused connectivity. The airline's routes emphasize short-haul flights, with average durations of 1 to 3 hours, catering to regional travel demands and incorporating seasonal adjustments to accommodate peak tourism periods in destinations like and Jeju.

Codeshare agreements

Spring Airlines maintains a limited number of codeshare and interline agreements, primarily with regional and low-cost carriers, to facilitate route expansion and connectivity without significant investment in additional . A notable partnership is the codeshare agreement with Eastar Jet, established in July 2019, which enables strategic collaboration including code-sharing on select routes and enhanced connectivity between and . In November 2019, Spring Airlines signed a codeshare deal with Iberia, allowing Spring passengers to book seats on Iberia's Shanghai-Madrid flights using Spring's flight code (9C), while providing Iberia customers access to four additional domestic destinations (, , , and ) within operated by Spring Airlines. This arrangement supports through-checked baggage on qualifying itineraries and extends Spring's reach to European markets via . Through its majority-owned subsidiary Spring Japan, Spring Airlines benefits from an expanded codeshare with , which was enhanced in 2024 to include new routes such as Narita-Beijing Capital, enabling seamless transfers for passengers connecting between and . These partnerships grant access to over a dozen additional destinations across and , emphasizing low-cost regional extensions rather than integration into major global alliances like or oneworld.

Fleet

Current fleet

As of November 2025, Spring Airlines operates a fleet consisting entirely of the Airbus A320 family, totaling 134 aircraft with no wide-body types in service. The airline's aircraft are either owned or leased, supporting its low-cost carrier model through efficient narrowbody operations on short- to medium-haul routes. The fleet breakdown includes 75 Airbus A320-200 aircraft, each configured in an all-economy high-density layout with 174 to 186 seats and an average age of 11.5 years; 47 Airbus A320neo aircraft, also with 174 to 186 seats in a similar configuration and noted for their fuel efficiency, with an average age of 4.0 years; and 12 Airbus A321neo aircraft, featuring up to 190 seats for higher-capacity routes, with an average age of 4.3 years. Of these, 8 aircraft are currently stored (2 A320-200, 5 A320neo, 1 A321neo). All aircraft maintain high utilization rates, averaging 11-12 hours of flight time per day to maximize revenue.
Aircraft TypeTotal (incl. stored)ActiveSeats (typical)Average Age (Years)Notes
Airbus A320-2007573180 (all-economy)11.5Standard configuration for domestic routes
Airbus A320neo4742180 (all-economy)4.0Fuel-efficient variant
1211190 (all-economy)4.3Higher density for busier routes
The standard features a white with a green tail fin emblazoned with the airline's , though some carry special sponsorship designs. Configurations emphasize cost control with slimline seats and no premium classes, aligning with the airline's focus on affordability.

Aircraft orders and deliveries

Spring Airlines maintains an exclusive partnership with for its acquisitions, dating back to its founding in 2004, with total historical orders exceeding 200 units across the A320 family. As of November 2025, the airline has 1 pending order for an A320neo to support future expansion. These commitments build on its current all- A320 family fleet, emphasizing narrowbody efficiency for low-cost operations. The firm order from 2014 for 60 A320neo family (45 A320neo and 15 A321neo) has largely been fulfilled, with ongoing deliveries aligning with production. Financing for these orders involves a combination of operating leases from Chinese lessors, such as Bank of Communications (Bocomm), and bank loans to optimize capital structure. This fleet expansion strategy leverages the A320neo family's 15% fuel efficiency improvement over previous generations to reduce operating costs and enhance competitiveness on high-density routes.

Subsidiaries

Spring Japan

Spring Japan, legally known as Spring Japan Co., Ltd., is a headquartered in , . It operates as a in which Spring Airlines holds a 30% minority stake, with majority control held by (JAL), which increased its ownership following investments in 2021. Established in September 2011, the airline received its in December 2013 and commenced passenger operations on August 1, 2014, with its inaugural flight from Tokyo Narita to Shanghai Pudong. As of October 2025, Spring Japan's fleet consists of nine aircraft, including six Boeing 737-800s configured with 189 all-economy seats for passenger services and three Airbus A321-200s adapted for cargo operations, reflecting an average fleet age of 12 years. The airline operates primarily from its hub at Tokyo Narita International Airport (NRT), focusing on a point-to-point network that emphasizes affordability and efficiency, mirroring the low-cost model of Spring Airlines. Contributing to a cumulative total exceeding 6 million by early 2025, driven by recovering demand in the Asia-Pacific region. Spring Japan's route network includes three domestic destinations within , such as Narita to New Chitose, and six international routes primarily to Chinese cities like Pudong, Capital, and others, facilitating cross-border travel between and . As a , it offers unbundled services with ancillary fees for baggage and seating, including a free carry-on baggage allowance on international routes such as China-Japan of one personal item and one bag with a total weight up to 7 kg and dimensions not exceeding 56 cm (length) x 36 cm (width) x 23 cm (height, sum of dimensions ≤115 cm); excess baggage requires a checked baggage fee. While integrating operationally with its parent through codeshare arrangements on China- routes and shared maintenance facilities to optimize costs and connectivity. This structure supports seamless traffic flow for passengers traveling between the two countries, enhancing the group's overall regional presence.

Other affiliated operations

Spring Airlines operates as part of the broader Spring Group, which encompasses the Shanghai Spring International Service (Group) Co., Ltd., its controlling entity established in 1981 and focused on tourism services including package tours, , ticketing, and MICE . This travel service arm supports Spring Airlines by integrating flight bookings with comprehensive travel packages, leveraging the group's extensive network across and internationally. In addition to passenger operations, Spring Airlines maintains limited services integrated into its passenger fleet, emphasizing support for and needs through streamlined management on A320 aircraft. These efforts, initiated around 2018, prioritize efficient handling of goods alongside passenger transport rather than dedicated freighter operations. The airline supports its workforce through an in-house flight training center in Shanghai, established in 2014 with an investment of 800 million yuan to develop simulation and pilot training facilities at Pudong International Airport. By 2025, the center had acquired its seventh simulator, including China's first domestically produced A320 model, enabling comprehensive crew training for the airline's expanding fleet. Digital initiatives include the Spring Airlines mobile app, which facilitates direct bookings for flights, hotels, and ancillary services, accounting for a significant portion of the airline's online sales channels. Launched prior to and continually updated, the app enhances customer access to low-cost options and real-time flight management. Through the Spring Group, Spring Airlines holds minority stakes in hospitality ventures, including a joint operation with BTG Homeinns for the Skybird Hotel chain targeting airport and travel hubs in , with the first property opening at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport in 2019. Similar investments extend to budget hotels in , developed in partnership with local firms to support regional expansion. These affiliates contribute modestly to the group's overall financial performance by diversifying revenue beyond .

Incidents and safety

Accidents and incidents

On June 6, 2014, Spring Airlines Flight 9C-8945, an A320-214 registered B-6851, experienced a during approach to (XMN) in adverse weather conditions. The , operating from Lianshui Airport, encountered and a microburst during an ILS approach to 23, causing the right main to strike the grass beside the . The initiated a , but the tail struck the during the climb-out, resulting in a tail strike and minor damage to the right and . The subsequently landed safely on 05. There were no injuries among the 184 on board, and the was repaired before returning to service after a brief grounding. The incident was investigated by the (CAAC), which attributed it primarily to phenomena. In a minor incident on March 31, 2019, Spring Airlines Flight 9C8915, an A320-200 registered B-8590, suffered a bird strike during takeoff from runway 36L at (SHA). The crew rejected the takeoff at high speed, bringing the aircraft to a stop approximately 1,500 meters down the , with no reported damage or injuries to the occupants. The flight was delayed by about three hours after the aircraft taxied to the apron and was replaced by another. Spring Airlines has recorded no fatal accidents in its operational history. All reported incidents, including the above, have been investigated by the CAAC, with findings emphasizing procedural adherence and environmental factors.

Safety record and regulations

Spring Airlines has maintained an exemplary safety record since its inception in 2005, with zero fatal accidents or hull losses reported throughout its operations. The airline's incident rate remains below the global average for low-cost carriers, reflecting robust operational controls and a focus on preventive measures. For instance, a minor incident in 2014 at resulted in no injuries and underscored the effectiveness of the carrier's response protocols. The airline has earned top safety ratings from independent evaluators, including a perfect 7/7-star safety score from AirlineRatings.com in October 2025, based on factors such as fleet age, incident history, and regulatory audits. It also received the "Four-Star Flight Safety Award" in June 2025. Additionally, Spring Airlines has been IOSA certified by the International Air Transport Association, confirming adherence to international operational safety standards following successful audits. In recognition of its performance, the airline received the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC)'s top safety award as the first private Chinese carrier to do so. Spring Airlines demonstrates full compliance with both CAAC and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) regulations, undergoing regular audits that verify maintenance, crew training, and operational procedures. To bolster safety, Spring Airlines invests in advanced pilot training using state-of-the-art flight simulators and equips its entire fleet with essential collision avoidance technologies, including (TCAS) and Enhanced Ground Proximity Warning System (EGPWS). These systems are standard on its modern aircraft, contributing to the prevention of mid-air and terrain-related risks. Post-COVID-19, the airline implemented enhanced health protocols, such as rigorous aircraft cleaning, air filtration upgrades, and contactless boarding processes.

References

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