Shandong Airlines

Shandong Airlines, nicknamed SDA or 山航, is an airline based in the Shandong Airlines Centre in Jinan, Shandong. Primarily, it's a domestic carrier which provides a fairly standard onboard short-haul product. The airline developed from a small to a large enterprise with gradually enhanced strength. It operates a sizable domestic network from Jinan, Qingdao and Yantai to major cities across China, together with an international network to regional Asian destinations. 

Shandong Airlines was established on March 12, 1994, commencing operations in September of the same year. By September 1997, it had become a founding member of the New Star (Xinxing) Aviation Alliance, alongside five other Chinese provincial airlines.

Further demonstrating its commitment to fleet modernisation and expansion, Shandong Airlines placed a significant order on April 21, 2014, for 50 Boeing 737 aircraft. This substantial order included 16 Next-Generation 737s and 34 737 MAX models.

For 30 consecutive years, the airline has experienced no in-flight engine flameouts. During this time, it has continued to optimise its fleet, now operating a Boeing 737 fleet of 138 aircraft.

Shandong Airlines caters to a spectrum of traveller preferences with its diverse cabin classes. Economy Class offers a comfortable and cost-effective travel experience and onboard meals and beverages, while Premium Economy introduces enhanced amenities and extra legroom. Business Class elevates the journey with premium services, ideal for those seeking an added touch of luxury. Business Class standards are below China Southern, China Eastern and Hainan Airlines. The epitome of opulence, First Class provides an unparalleled travel experience, combining exquisite comfort with personalised services. 

Shandong Airlines' frequent flyer program is part of Air China's PhoenixMiles, which rewards passengers for travel with Air China and its partner airlines, including Shandong Airlines. Members earn mileage that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other benefits. VIP members (Gold and Platinum) receive additional perks like extra mileage rewards, priority for award tickets and upgrades, and priority check-in. 

Now, Shandong Airlines has over 290 domestic, international and regional routes, with 4300+ flights to over 80 large and medium-sized cities operated every week. Meanwhile, it has opened routes to surrounding countries such as South Korea, Japan, Thailand, India and Cambodia, and routes to regions including Taiwan and Hong Kong.

On June 22, 2021, World Brand Lab released the 18th list of “China’s Top 500 Most Valuable Brands,” and Shandong Airlines ranked 98th with a brand value of 63.832 billion yuan. This was the 4th consecutive year that it ranked among the top 100, and the 14th year that it was included in “China’s Top 500 Most Valuable Brands.”

Shandong Airlines 山东航空 is certified as a 3-Star Airline by Skytrax for the quality of its airport and onboard products and staff service. Product rating includes seats, amenities, food & beverages, IFE, cleanliness, etc, and service rating is for both cabin staff and ground staff.

The content of this article was created on 21 June 2025.