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China’s “Big Three” carriers maintain passenger and traffic growth in September
October 16th 2026
China’s three largest state-owned airlines posted year-on-year passenger and traffic growth in September, especially in international (Air China) and regional (China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines) segments. Read More »
Air China reported flying 14 million passengers in September 2026, up 3% from the same month last year. 1.7 million passengers, up 9.5% year-on-year, traveled on international routes. Capacity (ASK) increased 3.5% year-on-year. Passenger traffic (RPK) was up 6.3%, including 17.4% on international routes. The passenger load factor rose 2.3 ppt year-on-year to 85.4% for the month. Air China said that in September 2026, it introduced one Airbus A320 and retired one Boeing 737 and two Airbus A320 aircraft. At the end of September 2026, the Air China Group operated a fleet of 974 aircraft, including 436 self-owned aircraft, 258 aircraft under finance lease and 280 aircraft under operating lease.
China Eastern Airlines (CEA) booked 4.1% year-on-year growth in passenger numbers in September. In total, CEA flew 12.5 million passengers. Capacity (ASK) rose 8.8% compared with September 2025. Passenger traffic (RPK) rose 8.5% year-on-year. The passenger load factor declined by 0.19 ppt and was 87.4% for the month. CEA recorded the highest year-on-year growth in passengers (10%) and passenger traffic (12.1%) on regional routes. As of the end of September 2026, China Eastern Airlines Group operated 837 aircraft.
China Southern Airlines (CSA) flew 12.4 million passengers in September, up 0.8% from the same month last year. Capacity (ASK) increased 2% year-on-year in September. Passenger demand (RPK) rose 1.4% year-on-year. Passenger load factor declined by 0.58 ppt and was 86.4% for the month. As of the end of September 2026, CSA Group operated a fleet of 978 aircraft.
