China United Airlines


China United Airlines Co., Ltd. is a budget airline and subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines with its headquarters in Fengtai District, Beijing, operating scheduled flights and charter services in co-operation with local enterprises out of Beijing Daxing International Airport. The airline previously had its headquarters in another area in Fengtai District, Beijing.

History

China United Airlines was established in 1986 as an arm of the civil transport division of the People's Liberation Army Air Force. 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, uniquely enough for an airline it is still permitted to use military air bases as destinations, in contrast to other Chinese airlines and other airlines in general.
In 2000, China United Airlines spent US$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. The specific aircraft was sold to Air China and later to Sunday Airlines of Kazakhstan.
China United Airlines was acquired by China Eastern Airlines in October 2010.
With the opening of the Beijing Daxing International Airport on 26 September 2019, China United Airlines began service at the new airport as its main hub and ceased service from Beijing Nanyuan Airport which was its main operating base for 35 years.

Destinations

, the China United Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft:


The airline previously operated the following aircraft:
China United Airlines has a total of 6 special livery aircraft in service, all of which are named after cities in China: