China United Airlines

China United Airlines (ICAO: CUA) is a prominent low-cost carrier operating primarily within China, known for its extensive domestic network and unique operational history.

China United Airlines was established on December 25, 1986, initially as a commercial arm of the civil transport division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. Its initial operations included both passenger and cargo flights. However, due to a Chinese governmental regulation prohibiting military involvement in commercial activities, all scheduled services ceased in November 2002, leading to a full suspension of flight operations in 2003. The airline relaunched on June 4, 2005, with approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), with Shanghai Airlines holding an 80% stake. In October 2010, China United Airlines was acquired by China Eastern Airlines, becoming its wholly-owned low-cost subsidiary.

The airline's main hub is Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), which became its primary operational base on September 26, 2019, following the opening of the new airport and the cessation of services from its long-standing base at Beijing Nanyuan Airport. China United Airlines also maintains secondary operating bases and hubs in cities such as Chengdu–Tianfu, Foshan, Shijiazhuang, and Wenzhou. A distinctive feature of China United Airlines is its unique permission to utilize military air bases as destinations, a privilege not typically extended to other Chinese commercial airlines.

As of late 2023, China United Airlines operates a fleet of approximately 60 aircraft, predominantly consisting of Boeing 737-800s (51 aircraft) and Boeing 737-700s (five aircraft). Additionally, it wet-leases three Airbus A330-300s from its parent company, China Eastern Airlines, and operates one VIP-configured Bombardier Challenger 800 for the Chinese Air Force. The average age of its fleet is 9.7 years. The airline's route network is primarily domestic, serving an extensive range of cities across China. As of November 2025, it flies to 69 domestic destinations and 3 international destinations in 4 countries, with a strong focus on providing affordable connectivity for regional travel. China United Airlines is not a member of any global airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld. As a low-cost carrier, it primarily offers Economy Class services. While basic meals and checked baggage typically incur additional fees, some flights may provide a complimentary snack and bottled water. The airline is also recognized for its use of eye-catching city-themed special liveries on several of its Boeing 737-800 aircraft, celebrating various Chinese cities and landmarks.