Why Trust This Article?
- • Author: Hesham Al-Daaja (based in China since 2019)
- • Last updated: September 24, 2026
- • Based on direct field experience with Arab travelers and buyers
I'm Hesham, and Here's an Honest Comparison of China's Four Major Airlines
China has four major airlines, and each has different strengths. There's no single "best" one — it depends on your destination in China, whether you're connecting through a particular airline alliance, and whether service quality or route network matters more to you. This comparison is built on Skytrax's official ratings and real alliance/hub data, not just impressions.
Quick Answer
Hainan Airlines holds a Skytrax Five-Star rating for the 15th consecutive year — the best onboard service of the four, though a smaller international network. China Southern has the largest fleet and widest network, with main hubs in Guangzhou and Shenzhen — a strong choice if you're headed to southern China. Air China is a Star Alliance member, useful if you hold miles with a partner airline. China Eastern is a SkyTeam member with the strongest international connection network out of its Shanghai Pudong hub.
| Airline | Alliance | Main Hubs | Skytrax Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air China | Star Alliance | Beijing Capital, Beijing Daxing | 4-Star |
| China Southern | Independent (left SkyTeam in 2018) | Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, Shenzhen | 4-Star |
| China Eastern | SkyTeam | Beijing & Shanghai (dual hub) | 3-Star |
| Hainan Airlines | Independent | Haikou, Beijing Capital | 5-Star |
Air China — The Flag Carrier and Star Alliance Member
Air China is China's official flag carrier, with main hubs at Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing airports. Its Star Alliance membership means if you hold miles with a partner airline (like Turkish Airlines or EgyptAir), you can earn and use them on Air China flights. It holds a 4-star Skytrax rating and has a solid reputation for punctuality.
China Southern — The Largest Fleet and Widest Network
China Southern is China's largest airline by fleet size and destination count. It was a SkyTeam member until 2018 and now operates independently. Its main hubs are Beijing Daxing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen — meaning if your destination is southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, or nearby Dongguan), you'll generally find more domestic connection options through it. It holds a 4-star Skytrax rating.
China Eastern — The Strongest International Connections from Shanghai
China Eastern (along with its subsidiary Shanghai Airlines) has been a SkyTeam member since 2011, and operates a dual-hub system between Beijing and Shanghai, with regional hubs in Xi'an and Kunming. Its biggest advantage is the connection network out of Shanghai Pudong Airport for onward international routes. It holds a 3-star Skytrax rating.
Hainan Airlines — Top-Rated Service by Skytrax
Hainan Airlines has held a Skytrax Five-Star rating for fifteen consecutive years, and ranks among the world's top 10 airlines — best onboard service, best cabin crew service in China, and best business-class comfort. Its main hubs are Haikou (Hainan) and Beijing Capital. It has an excellent punctuality reputation, but a smaller international network than the other three.
Which One Fits Your Trip?
- Headed to southern China (Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Dongguan): China Southern
- Headed to Shanghai or connecting onward internationally: China Eastern
- You hold Star Alliance miles: Air China
- You want the best service and it fits your route: Hainan Airlines
Whichever you choose, remember to request your halal meal in advance — see my full guide to booking a flight to China for more on booking and transit.
Planning Your Trip to China?
I'm Hesham, living in China since 2019. Contact me on WhatsApp for any question about your trip, or visit the custom trip planning page.
