XiamenAir
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Chinese passenger airline headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian, and a member of the SkyTeam alliance.
Last updated October 9, 2026
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Overview
XiamenAir, the international brand of Xiamen Airlines Co., Ltd., is a Chinese passenger carrier headquartered in Xiamen, Fujian Province. The airline was established on 25 July 1984 as a joint venture involving the Civil Aviation Administration of China, the Xiamen Special Economic Zone Construction Development Company and Fujian Investment Enterprise Company. Its creation was closely connected with the development of Xiamen as a special economic zone and with the need to provide the city with a reliable civil-aviation link to other Chinese economic centers. The company was notable from its beginning because it was established as an independently accounted and self-financing airline rather than simply as an operating arm of the civil-aviation administration. Its first scheduled operations began in January 1985 using leased Boeing 737 aircraft, initially connecting Xiamen with Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai. During its early years the carrier faced limited capital, a small fleet and operating losses, but it reached profitability in 1987. The airline subsequently developed a reputation for disciplined operations, incremental network expansion and relatively consistent financial management within China's rapidly changing aviation sector. XiamenAir's principal base is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. It also maintains substantial operations through Fuzhou, Hangzhou, Beijing, Tianjin, Changsha, Quanzhou, Chongqing and Shanghai. Its network has historically combined dense domestic coverage with international services linking Fujian and other Chinese markets to destinations in Asia, Europe, Oceania and North America. The airline's long-haul expansion accelerated after the introduction of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, supporting services to Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, Seattle, New York and Los Angeles at different points in its network history. The carrier is controlled by China Southern Airlines, which holds 55 percent of XiamenAir. Xiamen C&D Group holds 34 percent and Fujian Investment and Development Group holds 11 percent. XiamenAir also has interests in Hebei Airlines and Jiangxi Airlines. Its partnership strategy includes codeshare, interline and joint-venture relationships with alliance and network partners, including Air France, KLM and China Southern Airlines. XiamenAir joined SkyTeam in November 2012 as the alliance's 19th member. It was the first mainland Chinese airline outside the three largest state-owned national carriers to become a full member of a major global airline alliance. The membership strengthened its international connectivity and gave passengers access to reciprocal frequent-flyer and network benefits. The airline's own loyalty program is the White Egret Frequent Flyer Program. The XiamenAir identity uses a flying-egret motif associated with Fujian's coastal setting and the airline's regional roots. In 2012, the company introduced a revised visual identity centered on the concept of an egret flying high and adopted the XiamenAir English brand presentation. Its service identity has also emphasized announcements in Mandarin and English, with Minnan-language announcements used in selected contexts. XiamenAir remains an active, unlisted airline whose commercial role is tied to Xiamen, Fujian and the wider China Southern network.
History
Xiamen's modern airline history developed from the city's strategic location on the Taiwan Strait and its later designation as a special economic zone. Earlier aviation activity included civil and military airfields and limited services to Taiwan, but regular civil aviation was disrupted for decades by war and cross-strait tensions. The construction of Xiamen Gaoqi Airport, approved in 1982 and developed during the following year, created the infrastructure for a permanent commercial carrier. Airport capacity alone, however, could not solve Xiamen's isolation from China's principal cities, prompting local and national authorities to establish an airline based in the city. After several proposals for a Sino-foreign joint venture were considered, the Civil Aviation Administration of China and Fujian Provincial Government approved a joint operating arrangement in March 1984. Xiamen Airlines was formally established on 25 July 1984. Its founding shareholders were the Shanghai administration of civil aviation, the Xiamen Special Economic Zone Construction Development Company and Fujian Investment Enterprise Company. The airline was designed as an independently managed, self-financing enterprise, an unusual model in China's aviation system at the time. Operations began in January 1985 with leased Boeing 737 equipment. Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai were among the first destinations, and Hong Kong charter operations were also arranged. The airline initially had limited capital and no owned aircraft, but it gradually built its own operating capability. In 1985, the shareholder position associated with Shanghai civil aviation was transferred to the Guangzhou civil-aviation administration, helping align the carrier with the organization that later became China Southern Airlines. XiamenAir based its first aircraft in Xiamen in 1986 and recorded its first profit in 1987 after several loss-making years. The airline expanded its fleet and organizational systems through the late 1980s and 1990s. It introduced labor, personnel and internal-management reforms and moved toward contract-based employment. In 1988, it took delivery of a new Boeing 737 directly from Boeing, rather than relying only on used aircraft. In 1991, the airline adopted its blue-sky-and-white-egret corporate symbol, while the separation of government administration from airline operations resulted in the creation of China Southern Airlines and the transfer of Guangzhou's shareholding to that company. XiamenAir later introduced Boeing 757 aircraft, including a 1992 delivery that was significant within China's civil-aviation system. International development began with the launch of Xiamen–Bangkok service in 2000. Over time the airline added more Asian destinations and developed a broader international strategy. Its 2011 memorandum with SkyTeam led to full membership on 21 November 2012. The alliance provided additional network reach and positioned XiamenAir as a global partner despite its strong regional base. The arrival of Boeing 787 aircraft supported long-haul growth. Amsterdam service began in 2015, followed by Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver, Seattle, New York, Los Angeles and Paris at various stages. These routes connected Fujian and other Chinese markets with Europe, Oceania and North America, although international schedules have naturally changed with market conditions and broader aviation disruptions. By 2020, the company had established a multi-base structure extending beyond Xiamen to Fuzhou, Nanchang through Jiangxi Airlines, Hangzhou, Tianjin, Changsha, Beijing Daxing, Quanzhou, Chongqing and Shanghai. XiamenAir also developed a wider corporate group. It holds a controlling interest in Hebei Airlines and a majority interest in Jiangxi Airlines, extending the brand's influence beyond its own operating certificate and principal Fujian bases. The company remains controlled by China Southern Airlines, alongside Xiamen C&D Group and Fujian Investment and Development Group. The airline refreshed its visual identity in 2012, replacing the earlier logo and aircraft-paint scheme with a design built around a flying egret and a sea-and-sky theme. The rebrand aligned the English-facing XiamenAir name with a more modern international presentation while retaining the symbolic connection to Xiamen. XiamenAir continues to operate as an active Chinese full-service carrier with domestic, regional and long-haul services, alliance partnerships and a brand strongly associated with Fujian and the country's southeastern coast.
- 2020
Beijing operations move to Daxing
[1]The airline's Beijing base shifts from Beijing Capital International Airport to Beijing Daxing International Airport.
- 2018
Final Boeing 757 passenger flight
[1]The airline retires its last Boeing 757 passenger aircraft.
- 2016
First North American service
[1]XiamenAir launches service to Vancouver and subsequently expands to additional North American destinations.
- 2015
European long-haul expansion
[1]The airline begins service to Amsterdam, its first intercontinental European destination.
- 2012
SkyTeam membership and brand redesign
[1]XiamenAir joins SkyTeam as its 19th member and introduces a revised flying-egret visual identity.
- 2000
First international route
[1]Xiamen–Bangkok becomes the airline's first international scheduled service.
- 1991
Egret corporate identity adopted
[1]The airline adopts a blue-sky-and-white-egret logo and China Southern becomes its principal airline shareholder after institutional reforms.
- 1987
First reported profit
[1]After several initial loss-making years, the airline reports a profit and begins a sustained period of expansion.
- 1985
First scheduled operations
[1]Leased Boeing 737 aircraft begin scheduled services linking Xiamen with Beijing, Guangzhou and Shanghai.
- 1984
Xiamen Airlines is established
[1]The airline is founded on 25 July as a joint venture involving national civil aviation authorities, Xiamen's special economic zone development company and a Fujian investment entity.
Products and positioning
A full-service Chinese airline centered on Xiamen and Fujian, combining strong domestic connectivity with international network access and a coastal, service-oriented brand identity.
Passenger aviation · 1985
Scheduled passenger services
XiamenAir's core offering is scheduled passenger transportation across a broad Chinese domestic network. Xiamen, Fuzhou, Hangzhou and Beijing serve as important operating centers, with additional bases supporting coverage of major economic regions. The airline provides multiple cabin classes on relevant services and connects regional Fujian demand with national and international destinations.
International aviation · 2000
International and long-haul services
The international network has developed from regional Asian services into routes serving Europe, Oceania and North America. Boeing 787 operations enabled the carrier to pursue longer routes, including services to Amsterdam, Paris, Sydney, Melbourne, Vancouver and selected United States destinations. Exact routes and schedules vary over time.
Loyalty program
White Egret Frequent Flyer Program
The White Egret Frequent Flyer Program is XiamenAir's loyalty scheme. It supports customer retention and, through the airline's SkyTeam participation, provides access to alliance-related earning and redemption opportunities subject to applicable program rules.
Cargo aviation
Air cargo services
XiamenAir carries freight through air-cargo services and belly-hold capacity on passenger flights. The available reference material identifies cargo as part of the airline's business scope but does not provide a separate cargo-fleet or freighter-brand description.
Controversies
2018
Xiamen Airlines flight veers off runway on landing in Manila; left engine detaches
On August 16, 2018, Xiamen Airlines flight CXA8667 from Xiamen to Manila veered off the runway during landing roll, and the aircraft's left engine detached. The Civil Aviation Administration of China reported no casualties and dispatched an investigation team to assist the Philippine accident investigation agency. This entry records a safety accident and does not determine final responsibility based on the initial report.
Marketing campaigns
- 2012Flying Egret brand refresh
China · International
XiamenAir introduced a redesigned visual identity centered on an egret flying high, together with a sea-and-sky aircraft livery and the XiamenAir international brand presentation.
Outcome. Established the airline's current modern brand expression while retaining its regional symbolism.
Brand decisions
2015
Expand into intercontinental EuropeProduct launchBackground
The introduction of long-range Boeing 787 aircraft created an opportunity to connect China with distant international markets.
Action taken
XiamenAir launched service to Amsterdam and later added Paris among its European destinations.
Aftermath
The airline established a long-haul European presence from its southeastern Chinese network.
2012
Adopt a new visual identityOtherBackground
The airline's earlier blue-sky-and-white-egret identity required an update as the carrier developed a more international profile.
Action taken
XiamenAir replaced the prior identity with a flying-egret logo and a sea-and-sky aircraft-paint scheme.
Aftermath
The change supported the public launch of the XiamenAir brand while preserving its association with Xiamen and coastal Fujian.
2011
Pursue SkyTeam membershipStrategyBackground
XiamenAir wanted to improve its international reach and place its domestic hubs within a global alliance network.
Action taken
The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with SkyTeam and completed membership the following year.
Aftermath
XiamenAir became the alliance's 19th member in 2012 and gained additional partnership and connectivity opportunities.
2000
Launch international Bangkok serviceProduct launchBackground
After building a domestic network, XiamenAir sought to connect its southeastern Chinese base with nearby international markets.
Action taken
The airline inaugurated Xiamen–Bangkok service, its first international route.
Aftermath
The route marked the beginning of the carrier's broader international network development.
1984
Establish an independently managed joint-venture airlineStrategyBackground
Xiamen's newly developing special economic zone needed a permanent airline and additional capacity after the reopening and expansion of Gaoqi Airport.
Action taken
National and Fujian authorities approved Xiamen Airlines as an independently accounted, self-financing joint venture between central and local interests.
Aftermath
The structure gave Xiamen a dedicated carrier and created the organizational foundation for later commercial and management reforms.
Recent events
Xiamen Airlines to launch Xiamen–London and Xiamen–Sabah routes in September[10]
Xiamen Airlines announced it will open two international routes in September: a Xiamen–London direct service starting September 6, the first direct passenger route from Fujian to the UK, and a Xiamen–Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) route starting September 23.
Industrial Bank and Xiamen Airlines launch carbon-neutral tickets[11]
Industrial Bank and Xiamen Airlines launched carbon-neutral tickets in China. Customers can choose to pay an additional 10 yuan on top of the lowest fare for the route to offset flight-related emissions.
Reported
Beijing Daxing Airport and Xiamen Airlines launch Beijing–Fujian express product[12]
Beijing Daxing Airport and Xiamen Airlines jointly launched the Beijing–Fujian “Xing Kuai Line” product, covering five routes between Daxing and Fujian destinations. The offering includes airport and airline travel benefits.
- Unconfirmed
Xiamen CCB and Xiamen Airlines sign strategic cooperation agreement[13]
Xiamen CCB and Xiamen Airlines signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering 12 areas, including financing, financial services and customer-service cooperation.
Reported
Airlines announce phased operations transfer to Daxing Airport[14]
Several airlines announced plans to transfer operations from Capital Airport to Daxing Airport in stages, with transfers scheduled for March 29, April 12 and April 26. The source notes that flight plans could be adjusted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Unconfirmed
Xiamen Airlines launches Sky Tea service[15]
Xiamen Airlines launched its “Sky Tea” service, offering passengers tea prepared by onboard tea specialists and establishing service standards for tea selection and preparation.
Xiamen Airlines opens Quanzhou–Clark direct route[16]
Xiamen Airlines opened a direct flight route between Quanzhou, China, and Clark, Philippines, on October 28, 2019.
Reported
XiamenAir announces Changsha–Shanghai Hongqiao route[17]
XiamenAir Hunan announced a new Changsha–Shanghai Hongqiao route for the winter-spring season, with a daily flight departing Changsha at 18:15.
Sources17 sources
- 1XiamenAir - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2XiamenAir official websitexiamenair.com
- 3Xiamen Airlines official websitexiamenair.com
- 4Xiamen Airlines - Passenger Servicexiamenair.com
- 5Xiamen Airlines - Guide to Payment Services in Chinaxiamenair.com
- 6Xiamen Airlines - Guide to Payment Services in FUJIANxiamenair.com
- 7Xiamen Airlines - Wikidatawikidata.org
- 8廈門航空 - 维基百科zh.wikipedia.org
- 9Xiamen Airlines flight veers off runway on landing in Manila; left engine detachescaac.gov.cn
- 10厦航9月开通厦门至伦敦、厦门至沙巴两条国际航线chinaqw.com
- 11兴业银行与厦门航空推出碳中和机票bank.jrj.com.cn
- 12大兴机场与厦门航空推出京闽“兴快线”finance.people.com.cn
- 13厦门建行与厦门航空签订战略合作协议xm.fjsen.com
- 14多家航空公司宣布分批转场至大兴机场finance.sina.com.cn
- 15厦门航空推出“天际茶道”服务xm.fjsen.com
- 16厦门航空开通泉州—克拉克直飞航线xm.fjsen.com
- 17厦门航空宣布新增长沙至上海虹桥航线travel.voc.com.cn
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