An illustration showing planes flying over China.
Asia-Pacific

China’s Changing Airlines: 10 Things to Know

Asia-Pacific

China’s Changing Airlines: 10 Things to Know

September 2025
34 min read
Gordon Smith and Jay Shabat

Skift Take

China’s 'Big Three' airline groups are still struggling to turn a profit. Domestic travel remains strong, but flights to and from places like Thailand, North America, and Europe are a challenge. Air China and China Eastern are losing money, while China Southern is scraping by with a slender margin. In this week's feature story we ask why.

Issue Overview

China’s 'Big Three' airline groups are still struggling to turn a profit. Domestic travel remains strong, but flights to and from places like Thailand, North America, and Europe are a challenge. Air China and China Eastern are losing money, while China Southern is scraping by with a slender margin. In this week's feature story we ask why.