China Southern is primary carrier at Zhuhai Airport

A quarter of the total passenger volume at Zhuhai Airport – more than 2 million people – has been handled by China Southern Airlines this year. Data collected as of Nov 11 show an increase of 120 percent compared with five years ago, largely due to a doubling of the number of airline seats. 

The airline currently has 330 weekly flights departing and arriving in Zhuhai, up from 139 in 2012, heading for provincial capitals, hub cities, and popular tourist destinations nationwide.

Improved flight service is credited as the key to progress. For example, China Southern Airlines Zhuhai persuaded its headquarters to use the A330 wide-body aircraft for Zhuhai-Beijing round-trips.

The Zhuhai branch has been profitable for seven consecutive years and surpasses operations in other locations in safety and service levels. 

It now operates 11 aircraft but plans to add at least three planes annually from next year, extending the total to 20 by 2020.

Zhuhai Airport [File Photo]

China Southern Air Holding Co had reached a strategic agreement with the city government on 12 Nov 2012 calling for further cooperation due to accelerated development of Zhuhai's aviation industry. The airline has since then opened new routes to Hangzhou, Wuhan, Harbin, Zhengzhou, Changchun, Zhangjiajie, Yiwu, Hefei, Nanchang, Dalian, Meixian, Shenyang, Nanjing, Taiyuan, Chongqing, Lanzhou, and Yinchuan. This growth contributed to a comprehensive air route network centered in Zhuhai, said an airport manager.

China Southern Airlines was established in 1988 with headquarters in Baiyun District, Guangzhou and has grown into one of the top three airlines in China, the other two being Air China and China Eastern Airlines.