Xiamen Airlines (ICAO: CXA), branded as XiamenAir, is a prominent airline based in Xiamen, Fujian, China, renowned for its extensive network and commitment to service.
Xiamen Airlines was founded on July 25, 1984, making it China's first airline to operate independently as an enterprise. It was established as a joint venture between the Shanghai Administration of Civil Aviation Administration of China, Xiamen Special Economic Zone Construction Development Company (now Xiamen C&D Group), and Fujian Investment Enterprise Company. The airline's current ownership structure includes China Southern Airlines Corporation (55%), Xiamen C&D Group (34%), and Fujian Investment and Development Group (11%).
The airline's primary operational base and main hub is Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN) in Xiamen, Fujian Province. It also maintains secondary hubs at Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC) and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), along with a northern headquarters in Beijing and several other branches across China. As of late 2023, XiamenAir operates a fleet of approximately 156 to 177 aircraft, with an average age of nine years. Historically known for an all-Boeing fleet, XiamenAir diversified its aircraft types by introducing Airbus A321neos in October 2022. The fleet primarily consists of Boeing 737s (including 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX 8 variants) and Boeing 787 Dreamliners (787-8 and 787-9).
Xiamen Airlines operates a comprehensive route network, serving around 400 domestic and international routes with 3,500 to 4,000 flights per week. As of November 2025, it connects to 68 domestic and 33 international destinations across 21 countries. Its network spans across China, with a significant presence in Southeast and Northeast Asia, and extends to intercontinental destinations in Europe, North America, and Oceania, including cities like Amsterdam, Sydney, New York, and Los Angeles. Xiamen Airlines is a proud member of the SkyTeam Alliance, having joined on November 21, 2012, as its 19th member, enhancing its global connectivity. The airline offers various cabin classes, including First Class (with Business Class seating on domestic routes), Business Class, and Economy Class. Notable services on its Boeing 787 Dreamliners include 180-degree lie-flat seats in First and Business Class, personal TV entertainment systems with charging outlets and USB ports, and in-flight Wi-Fi on some 787-9 aircraft. Other offerings include the Egret Miles frequent flyer program, in-flight cabin upgrades, and special services for unaccompanied minors and birthday celebrations.
Recent traveler reviews for Xiamen Airlines reflect a mixed but generally appreciative sentiment, often highlighting the airline's value proposition.
What Travelers Love:
Common Complaints:
Overall, Xiamen Airlines is often seen as a good-value option, particularly for budget-conscious travelers on international routes, largely due to its affordability and the generally pleasant service from its cabin crew. However, passengers, especially those unfamiliar with Chinese travel norms, should be prepared for potential language barriers and occasional inconsistencies in customer service and in-flight amenities.
Xiamen Airlines maintains a strong and recognized safety record within the aviation industry. As of August 2025, the airline has accumulated over 9.35 million safe flight hours, demonstrating 476 consecutive months of flight safety and 380 consecutive months of aviation security. This impressive record positions them as a leader in civil aviation safety operations in China.
Regarding notable incidents:
Xiamen Airlines successfully completed the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in December 2004, becoming the 17th airline globally to achieve this significant regulatory certification. While specific information on direct FAA compliance or status on the EU safety list was not found, IOSA registration is an internationally recognized benchmark for operational safety. The airline's fleet, which includes Boeing 737s and 787s, and more recently Airbus A321neos, has an average age of nine years as of late 2023. Maintenance records for the aircraft involved in the 2018 Manila incident confirmed it was maintained according to Boeing standards and possessed a valid airworthiness certificate.
Overall, Xiamen Airlines has a robust safety assessment based on available data, marked by an exemplary long-term safety record and adherence to international operational standards. The airline has received numerous safety awards and recognitions, including being named the "Best Airline" by Chinese passengers for 10 consecutive years. In March 2016, it was honored with the China Quality Award, the first enterprise in China's service industry and the sole airline in Chinese civil aviation to receive this prestigious recognition. Furthermore, Xiamen Airlines has consistently been recognized by the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) as a "World Class Airline" for four consecutive years since 2022, being the only Chinese carrier to achieve this distinction. This award considers safety standards as a critical evaluation criterion, further solidifying its reputation for operational excellence. They also received the APEX "Best Cabin Service" award.
| Route | Destination | Flights | Distance | Aircraft | Last Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HSN → JJN |
Quanzhou Jinjiang
Quanzhou
|
75 | 424 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| CGO → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
66 | 736 mi | B737 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| JJN → SHA |
Shanghai Hongqiao Int'l
Shanghai
|
63 | 473 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| JJN → HSN |
Zhoushan
Zhoushan
|
51 | 424 mi | B738 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| WMT → HGH |
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
|
48 | 868 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| JJN → CKG |
Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
Chongqing
|
48 | 809 mi | B738 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| LZH → HGH |
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
|
47 | 796 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| LZH → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
43 | 551 mi | B38M | Dec 11, 2025 |
| LZO → PKX |
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
|
43 | 968 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| JJN → CSX |
Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
|
43 | 407 mi | B738 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| KWL → FOC |
Fuzhou Changle Int'l
Fuzhou
|
41 | 602 mi | B738 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| HGH → PKX |
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
|
39 | 681 mi | A321 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| INC → PVG |
Shanghai Pudong Int'l
Shanghai
|
38 | 1004 mi | B738 | Dec 4, 2025 |
| KWL → LJG |
Lijiang
Lijiang
|
38 | 617 mi | B737 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| CKG → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
36 | 792 mi | A20N | Dec 11, 2025 |
| YCU → TSN |
Tianjin Binhai Int'l
Tianjin
|
36 | 445 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| KUL → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
36 | 1864 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| BHY → HGH |
Hangzhou Xiaoshan Int'l
Hangzhou
|
36 | 916 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
| LZO → SZX |
Shenzhen Bao'an Int'l
Shenzhen
|
35 | 681 mi | B738 | Dec 5, 2025 |
| INC → CSX |
Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
|
34 | 804 mi | B738 | Dec 9, 2025 |
| HIA → CSX |
Changsha Huanghua Int'l
Changsha
|
34 | 522 mi | B738 | Dec 8, 2025 |
| NKG → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
33 | 500 mi | A321 | Dec 7, 2025 |
| HGH → CKG |
Chongqing Jiangbei Int'l
Chongqing
|
33 | 827 mi | B738 | Nov 17, 2025 |
| CAN → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
32 | 315 mi | B738 | Dec 11, 2025 |
| HSN → XMN |
Xiamen Gaoqi Int'l
Xiamen
|
32 | 455 mi | B738 | Dec 10, 2025 |
Airline statistics are based on flight route observations collected from FlightAware AeroAPI and other sources. Flight counts represent observed operations, not scheduled frequencies. Route data is continuously updated as new flight information becomes available.