Shenzhen Airlines is a Chinese airline founded in 1992 and headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. It is a leading airline in China and is the fourth-largest airline in terms of passengers carried. As of 2020, Shenzhen Airlines operates a fleet of more than 170 aircraft, including Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 series aircraft.

The airline was founded on October 14, 1992, and began operations on April 14, 1993, with the launch of its first flight from Shenzhen to Kunming. The airline originally operated domestic routes, with international flights being added in 1996. In 1997, Shenzhen Airlines became the first airline in China to introduce the Boeing 737-300 into its fleet, expanding its reach further.

The airline’s growth continued through the 2000s, as it added new routes and destinations and expanded its fleet. In 2005, Shenzhen Airlines was the first airline in China to introduce the Airbus A320 into its fleet. This allowed the airline to expand to more international destinations and offer more efficient operations. In 2007, the airline launched its low-cost subsidiary, Shenzhen Donghai Airlines, to serve domestic routes.

The airline has achieved many milestones throughout its history. In 2011, it became the first Chinese airline to join the Star Alliance, the world’s largest airline alliance. The following year, it was the first Chinese carrier to offer inflight WiFi. In 2013, it launched its first VIP lounge, designed to provide a higher level of service to its customers. In 2015, it became the first Chinese carrier to introduce the Airbus A330 into its fleet.

Shenzhen Airlines has also been involved in several incidents over the years. In 2009, one of its planes crashed while attempting to land in the city of Yichun, killing 42 people. In 2019, the airline was the subject of a federal investigation after a flight attendant was accused of using her position to accept bribes. The investigation is ongoing.

Overall, Shenzhen Airlines has come a long way since its founding in 1992. It has grown from a small domestic airline to one of the largest and most successful airlines in China. The airline’s commitment to providing quality service and introducing new technologies has been a major factor in its success. Its milestones and achievements have helped it stand out in the Chinese airline market, and its continued growth and development is a testament to its commitment to excellence.