Ruili

RLH: A Comprehensive Overview of Ruili Airlines

Ruili Airlines (ICAO: RLH, IATA: DR) is a Chinese carrier that commenced operations on May 18, 2014, after receiving its air operator's certificate on January 22, 2014. Initially wholly owned by the Jingcheng Group, the airline saw a significant change in ownership on January 15, 2021, when Wuxi Traffic Group became the new controlling shareholder with a 57% stake. The airline is headquartered at Wuxi Shuofang Airport, with primary hubs at Kunming Changshui International Airport and Dehong Mangshi International Airport. It also maintains other operational bases in cities such as Shenyang, Chengdu, and Lanzhou.

Ruili Airlines operates a fleet primarily composed of Boeing 737-700 and Boeing 737-800 aircraft. While fleet numbers vary across sources, it has been reported to have a fleet of around 23 to 27 aircraft of these types. The airline has also placed orders for more modern aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX and Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, though as of 2025, the 787-9s had not yet been delivered. Its route network is focused on both domestic and international services, covering 49 domestic cities and 4 international countries, primarily within Southeast Asia, including destinations in Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. Ruili Airlines operates over 100 flights daily across 32 domestic and foreign cities.

The airline is described as both a "Full Service Carrier" and a "low-cost carrier". Skytrax, which classifies Ruili Airlines as a 3-Star Low-Cost Airline, notes that it functions more as a hybrid airline, offering a small Business Class section on some aircraft and providing complimentary snacks or similar amenities to Economy passengers on certain flights. While there is no information regarding its membership in any major global airline alliances like Star Alliance, SkyTeam, or Oneworld, the airline does offer web check-in for passenger convenience. Economy Class passengers can expect comfortable seating, clean cabins, ample overhead storage, fold-down trays, and personal lighting and air conditioning, with in-flight meals and beverages available.