Shenzhen Airlines Review - Flight Ratings

Our personal Shenzhen Airlines review

Planning a trip and want to know if this is a good airline to fly with? Here we put together a Shenzhen Airlines review from our own experience so you get a better idea of what to expect.

About the airline

Shenzhen Airlines is named after the city it grew out of, and it has expanded from nothing into one of the leading players in Chinese aviation. In the 1980s Shenzhen, sitting between Guangzhou and Hong Kong in southern Guangdong, became one of China’s special economic zones, kicking off the boom that made it the country’s technology capital and, for years, the world’s fastest-growing metropolis. The airline was founded in 1992 and flew its first service the following year. As a domestic carrier flying narrow-body Airbus A320s, A319s and Boeing 737s, it primarily connected the city to the rest of China. In September 2017 it took on its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330, with a view to extending into longer trans-continental services.

Shenzhen Airlines network

The airline runs a comprehensive network connecting its primary hub in Shenzhen with the rest of China, pairing cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou with numerous other domestic destinations and offering point-to-point service across the country. It has significant plans for international expansion from Shenzhen’s modern airport, and currently serves several regional Asian destinations including South Korea’s Jeju and Phuket. Shenzhen Airlines joined Star Alliance in 2012 and placed a major Boeing order in 2016. It is 49% owned by Total Logistics (Shenzhen) Ltd and 51% by Air China.

On-board services

Shenzhen Airlines offers strong service. The crews are diligent, professional and cheerful, and high-status passengers get particular recognition. All passengers receive complimentary catering: a snack and coffee or tea on short flights, and a hot meal of Chinese cuisine on longer ones, the airline is generous on catering. Almost the entire fleet is new and fitted with personal in-flight entertainment offering a wide choice of Asian, Chinese and Hollywood films, audio channels, TV shows and games. The in-flight magazine is mostly in Chinese, with a few articles in English.

Premium classes and lounges

Shenzhen Airlines calls its business class “First Class.” It is not yet at the level of the best Star Alliance carriers like Cathay Pacific, or China’s strongest such as Hainan Airlines, but it is clean, comfortable and makes passengers feel looked after, and the fares are affordable compared with rivals. The airline operates several King Lounges for Star Alliance and First Class Gold passengers.

Economy class

Economy is an unusually strong product, better than many Western legacy carriers: passengers are entertained, fed and flying in a new aircraft.

What are the pros

• Safe to fly. The safety record of Chinese airlines has improved markedly, and Shenzhen Airlines has had no accidents to date; aircraft are maintained to high standards.
• Comfortable. Plenty of legroom, so long sectors are less tiring.
• Excellent service. The crews are attentive and will look after you, good value for money.

What are the cons

The meal selection could be improved, the check-in process can be a little slow, and the website could use work.

Flying Shenzhen Airlines in for a Guangdong factory visit or the Canton Fair? Sort a Shenzhen interpreter before you land so the supplier meetings actually go your way.