China United Airlines Co., Ltd. (simplified Chinese: 中国联合航空公司; traditional Chinese: 中國聯合航空公司; pinyin: Zhōngguó Liánhé Hángkōng gōngsī) is a budget airline[2] with its headquarters in Fengtai District, Beijing,[3] operating scheduled flights and charter services in co-operation with local enterprises out of Beijing Nanyuan Airport, making it the only commercial airline using this airport.[4] The airline previously had its headquarters in another area in Fengtai District, Beijing.[5]

History [ edit ]

China United Airlines was established in 1986 as an arm of the civil transport division of the People's Liberation Army. In November 2002, all scheduled services were ceased, followed by a full suspension of flight operations in 2003 due to a Chinese governmental regulation prohibiting the Army from being directly involved in commercial activities. On June 4, 2005, the Civil Aviation Administration of China approved the relaunch of the airline. Now with Shanghai Airlines holding 80 percent of the stake, as well as CASGC as a secondary shareholder. Even though China United Airlines has since then lost its military status, it is still allowed to use military airports, in contrast to other Chinese airlines.

In 2000, China United Airlines spent USD$120 million to buy a Boeing 767-300ER, which was previously ordered by Delta, as Jiang Zemin's private jet. Several days before its first flight, covert listening devices were found installed in toilet, corridor, and even in Jiang's headboard. Listening device were believed to be controlled and monitored by satellite. CIA, U.S embassy in China, and China United Airlines refuse to comment on this incident.[6][7] The specific aircraft was sold to Air China and later to Sunday Airlines of Kazakhstan.

Destinations [ edit ]

China United Airlines only serves domestic destinations within China:

Fleet [ edit ]

The China United Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of December 2018):[8]

China United Airlines Fleet Information Aircraft In Service Orders Seats(C) Seats(Y) Total Seats Notes Boeing 737-700 8 — 8 126 134 Boeing 737-800 41 — 0 186 186 Total 49 —

The airline previously operated the following aircraft:

References [ edit ]

Media related to China United Airlines at Wikimedia Commons