Aircraft
China Southern Launches ARJ21-700 Operations
The start of ARJ21 flights by China Southern comes five days after Air China flew its first example on an inaugural revenue flight.
China's "Big Three" state-owned airlines each took delivery of their first ARJ21s late last month. (Photo: Comac)
China's "Big Three" state-owned airlines each took delivery of their first ARJ21s late last month. (Photo: Comac)

China Southern Airlines launched ARJ21-700 service Wednesday with an inaugural flight between Guangzhou and Jieyang, a city in eastern Guangdong province, becoming the fifth operator of the type after Air China, Jiangxi Air, Chengdu Airlines, and Genghis Khan Airlines. Planning to add a total of 35 of the type by 2024, China Southern will gradually introduce ARJ21 service from Daxing International in an effort to cement its Guangzhou-Beijing dual-hub strategy as China pushes expansion under its ambitious Belt and Road initiative, according to the airline.