Juneyao Air
Corporate brand
UnclaimedA Shanghai-based Chinese private airline operating domestic and international passenger services.
Last updated October 9, 2026
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Overview
Juneyao Air, formerly known as Juneyao Airlines, is a Chinese private passenger airline headquartered in Changning District, Shanghai. It was established in 2005 as an aviation subsidiary of JuneYao Group and began commercial operations in September 2006. The airline operates from Shanghai Hongqiao and Shanghai Pudong airports, serving domestic Chinese markets as well as selected destinations across East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. The company was created during a period when China’s air-travel market was expanding rapidly and privately controlled carriers were gaining a larger role alongside the country’s major state-linked airline groups. Its initial fleet plan centered on Airbus A319 and A320 aircraft obtained through leasing arrangements. The first aircraft arrived in 2006, and the first commercial service operated on 25 September of that year. Before launch, the company considered the name “Phoenix Airlines” but adopted the Juneyao Airlines name instead. Juneyao developed as a full-service or hybrid private carrier rather than positioning itself exclusively as a low-cost operator. Its offering combines scheduled passenger transportation, business- and economy-class cabins, onboard service, airport connectivity and an expanding international network. In the late 2000s and early 2010s, the group concentrated more heavily on the airline after selling its controlling interest in Okay Airways. Juneyao also helped establish 9 Air, a Guangzhou-based low-cost subsidiary that began flying in January 2015, allowing the wider group to address a different segment of the Chinese aviation market. Juneyao Air became a publicly traded company on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Main Board in May 2015. The listing provided a public-capital structure for fleet development and network expansion. In 2016 and 2017, the airline moved beyond its original narrow-body Airbus model by committing to Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft. The first Dreamliner was delivered in October 2018. Initially used on domestic services, the aircraft later supported international operations, including the airline’s first 787 service to Singapore in February 2019 and an intercontinental route from Shanghai to Helsinki in June 2019. The Helsinki service marked an important step in the development of a long-haul identity for a Chinese private airline. Juneyao joined Star Alliance as a Connecting Partner on 23 May 2017. This arrangement increased its access to alliance connectivity without making it a full member airline. China Eastern Air Holding also acquired a 7% interest in Juneyao in early 2019, strengthening links between two Shanghai-based carriers. In 2020, Juneyao participated in the proposed Sanya International Airlines structure with China Eastern and other partners, although the COVID-19 pandemic substantially affected aviation demand. Juneyao reported a loss of approximately CNY 749 million for 2020. The airline continued updating its fleet after the pandemic. It received its first locally assembled Airbus A321neo in March 2023, complementing its Airbus narrow-body aircraft and Boeing wide-body fleet. Juneyao also expanded beyond aviation-related activities through the group’s JuneYao Auto initiative, which acquired financially troubled electric-vehicle startup Yudo in 2023. That automotive activity is associated with the broader group rather than representing Juneyao Air’s core airline product. Juneyao’s competitive proposition is centered on a private Chinese ownership structure, Shanghai hub strength, network breadth, modern Airbus and Boeing aircraft, and a service proposition positioned above a purely budget-airline model. Its core business remains scheduled passenger air transportation, while its international partnerships, wide-body aircraft and access to alliance and codeshare networks support its role as an increasingly international carrier.
History
Juneyao Air was founded in 2005 by JuneYao Group as a privately controlled Chinese airline. The company initially operated under the Junyao Airlines name and considered other branding before settling on Juneyao Airlines. In March 2006 it arranged an initial fleet of two Airbus A319s and six Airbus A320s, with the first aircraft supplied through a leasing arrangement involving GECAS. The first Airbus A319 arrived in September 2006, and commercial operations commenced on 25 September. During its early development, Juneyao focused on building a Shanghai-centered scheduled network with Airbus narrow-body aircraft. The airline’s parent group had also held a controlling interest in Okay Airways, but in early 2010 JuneYao Group sold its 71.4% stake in that carrier. The disposal enabled the group to concentrate more closely on Juneyao Air. As competition from Chinese low-cost airlines increased, the group pursued a segmented strategy and applied to establish a low-cost subsidiary. 9 Air, based in Guangzhou, began operations in January 2015. Juneyao Air reached a major corporate milestone in May 2015 when its shares were listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Main Board. At that point the airline had developed a substantial Airbus A320-family fleet and was seeking further growth in both domestic and international markets. In September 2016 it signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing for ten 787-9 aircraft. A firm order for five aircraft, with options for five additional aircraft, was approved in January 2017. The wide-body program changed the scope of the airline’s network. Juneyao received its first Boeing 787-9 in October 2018. The aircraft initially operated domestic routes, followed by the airline’s first 787 international service between Shanghai and Singapore in February 2019. In June of that year Juneyao launched a Shanghai–Helsinki intercontinental service, representing a notable expansion for a Chinese private carrier that had previously relied principally on narrow-body aircraft. Partnerships also became more important. Juneyao joined Star Alliance as a Connecting Partner on 23 May 2017. In early 2019 China Eastern Air Holding acquired a 7% stake in the airline, bringing the two Shanghai-based groups into a closer ownership and commercial relationship. Juneyao also sought regulatory approval in 2019 for services to destinations including Vladivostok, Cairo and London. In June 2020, China Eastern announced the creation of Sanya International Airlines, with Juneyao identified as a 15% investor. The COVID-19 pandemic nevertheless caused an unprecedented decline in passenger demand and international flying. Juneyao reported a loss of about CNY 749 million for 2020. The company subsequently continued fleet renewal and network recovery. In March 2023 it took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo assembled in Tianjin. The broader JuneYao group expanded into automobiles in 2023 through a JuneYao Auto branch and the acquisition of financially troubled electric-vehicle startup Yudo. This move broadened the group’s industrial interests but did not replace Juneyao Air’s principal role as an airline. The carrier’s core business remains scheduled passenger service from Shanghai, supported by Airbus A320-family aircraft, Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft, alliance connectivity and selected international partnerships. By the mid-2020s, Juneyao Air was described as operating more than 260 domestic and international routes connecting more than 220 destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. Route counts and destinations are subject to change, and the airline continues to balance domestic scale with selective long-haul and international expansion.
- 2023
First Airbus A321neo delivered
[1]Juneyao Air took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo assembled in Tianjin.
- 2020
COVID-19 financial impact
[1]The airline recorded an approximately CNY 749 million loss for 2020 during the pandemic-related collapse in air travel.
- 2019
Long-haul international expansion
[1]Juneyao operated its first 787 service to Singapore and launched a Shanghai–Helsinki intercontinental route.
- 2018
First Boeing 787-9 delivered
[1]The airline received its first Boeing 787-9, beginning its wide-body fleet program.
- 2017
Star Alliance Connecting Partner
[1]Juneyao Air joined Star Alliance as a Connecting Partner on 23 May.
- 2015
9 Air begins operations
[1]The group’s low-cost subsidiary 9 Air commenced operations from Guangzhou in January.
- 2015
Shanghai Stock Exchange listing
[1]Juneyao Air shares were listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange Main Board in May.
- 2010
Group concentrates on Juneyao Air
[1]JuneYao Group sold its 71.4% interest in Okay Airways, allowing greater concentration on Juneyao Air.
- 2006
Initial Airbus fleet ordered
[1]The airline arranged an initial plan for two Airbus A319s and six Airbus A320s, with aircraft delivered through a leasing arrangement.
- 2006
Commercial operations begin
[1]Juneyao Air launched its first commercial service on 25 September.
Products and positioning
A private Chinese full-service or hybrid airline positioned around Shanghai connectivity, modern aircraft and mid-to-upper-market passenger service.
Air transportation · 2006
Domestic scheduled passenger services
Domestic passenger flying is Juneyao Air’s foundational business. The airline connects Shanghai with cities across China using primarily Airbus A320-family narrow-body aircraft. These services support both point-to-point travel and connections between the carrier’s Shanghai airports and its wider domestic network. Route availability, frequency and aircraft assignment vary by season and operating conditions.
Air transportation
International scheduled passenger services
Juneyao Air operates international services from Shanghai and other Chinese gateways to destinations in East Asia, Southeast Asia, Europe and Australia. The international network includes both regional flights using narrow-body aircraft and selected longer-distance services supported by Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The airline’s international presence is complemented by alliance and bilateral partner arrangements.
Passenger cabin
Business class
Business-class service is offered on both wide-body and narrow-body aircraft, although the seating product differs by aircraft type. Boeing 787-9 aircraft feature lie-flat business-class seats in a 1-2-1 layout, while narrow-body aircraft use a conventional 2-2 arrangement. The product is intended for passengers seeking additional space and service compared with economy class.
Passenger cabin
Economy class
Economy-class service is available across the airline’s narrow-body and Boeing 787 fleets. The 787-9 cabin uses a 3-3-3 configuration with personal entertainment screens and USB-A connectivity, while Airbus narrow-body aircraft generally use a 3-3 layout. The exact seat, entertainment and connectivity specification depends on the aircraft assigned to a flight.
Passenger amenity
Inflight Wi-Fi
Inflight Wi-Fi is available on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Availability, performance and access conditions can vary by aircraft, route and operational circumstances.
Controversies
2011
Crew refusing to give way to distressed flight found in serious violation and penalized
In August 2011, the crew of Juneyao Airlines flight HO1112 refused to follow air traffic control instructions to give way after another aircraft declared an emergency. The East China Regional Administration of the Civil Aviation Administration of China investigated and found it a serious violation; the CAAC penalized the company and the crew involved. This entry does not generalize the crew's conduct in this case to all flights having the same problem.
Brand decisions
2023
Introduce Airbus A321neo aircraftGeneration changeBackground
Juneyao Air continued fleet renewal and sought additional capacity and efficiency from newer-generation narrow-body aircraft.
Action taken
The airline took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo assembled in Tianjin.
Aftermath
The A321neo expanded the airline’s newer-generation Airbus fleet and provided a larger narrow-body platform for domestic and regional routes.
2020
Investment in Sanya International AirlinesStrategyBackground
China Eastern announced a proposed Sanya-based airline structure during a period of significant changes in Chinese aviation markets.
Action taken
Juneyao Air was identified as acquiring a 15% stake in Sanya International Airlines.
Aftermath
The initiative coincided with the COVID-19 period, which caused severe disruption to airline demand and operations.
2019
Launch intercontinental Shanghai–Helsinki serviceStrategyBackground
The arrival of Boeing 787-9 aircraft enabled Juneyao Air to pursue longer-range international flying.
Action taken
Juneyao Air launched a direct intercontinental route between Shanghai and Helsinki in June 2019.
Aftermath
The route established a visible long-haul role for the airline and demonstrated the intended use of its wide-body fleet.
2017
Join Star Alliance as a Connecting PartnerStrategyBackground
Juneyao Air sought broader international connectivity while retaining its independent airline identity.
Action taken
The airline became a Star Alliance Connecting Partner on 23 May 2017.
Aftermath
The arrangement gave Juneyao access to alliance connectivity and partnership opportunities without full Star Alliance membership.
2016
Commitment to Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraftStrategyBackground
Juneyao Air had historically operated an Airbus narrow-body fleet but sought to broaden its network and compete in longer-distance markets.
Action taken
The airline signed a memorandum of understanding with Boeing covering ten 787-9 aircraft; a firm order for five, with options for five more, was approved in 2017.
Aftermath
The first 787-9 was delivered in October 2018 and subsequently supported domestic, regional and intercontinental operations.
Recent events
Reported
Airlines announce fee-free refunds and ticket changes for Urumqi routes[5]
Juneyao Airlines, Donghai Airlines and Urumqi Air announced ticket policies waiving specified refund or change fees for eligible passengers on Urumqi-related routes. The policies applied to different ticket and travel-date conditions stated by each airline.
Reported
Finnair and Juneyao Air deepen cooperation on Helsinki–Shanghai routes[6]
Finnair and Juneyao Air said they would conduct joint operations on Helsinki–Shanghai routes, building on their existing codeshare cooperation.
Shanghai Stock Exchange questions Juneyao Airlines' proposed acquisition[7]
Juneyao Airlines received an inquiry letter from the Shanghai Stock Exchange concerning its recently disclosed draft for a major asset purchase.
Reported
Juneyao Airlines announces Shanghai–Tottori route[8]
Juneyao Airlines announced that it would open a Shanghai Pudong–Tottori route on January 11, 2020, adding its sixth Japanese destination. The report says it would be the only Chinese mainland airline operating the route.
Reported
Juneyao Airlines announces planned acquisition of Jidaohang[9]
Juneyao Airlines disclosed a draft major asset purchase plan to acquire 100% of Shanghai Jidaohang Enterprise Management Co. from its controlling shareholder, Juneyao Group, for RMB 1 billion. The source describes the transaction as proposed, not completed.
Sources10 sources
- 1Juneyao Air - Wikipediaen.wikipedia.org
- 2Juneyao Air official websitejuneyaoair.com
- 3吉祥航空官网juneyaoair.com
- 4Crew refusing to give way to distressed flight found in serious violation and penalizedchinanews.com.cn
- 5多家航企宣布乌鲁木齐相关航线免费退改票finance.sina.com.cn
- 6芬兰航空与吉祥航空深化赫尔辛基—上海航线合作finance.sina.com.cn
- 7上交所就吉祥航空拟议收购事项发出问询函life.caijing.com.cn
- 8吉祥航空宣布开通上海浦东至日本鸟取航线finance.sina.com.cn
- 9吉祥航空披露拟收购吉道航finance.sina.com.cn
- 1010亿现金收购遭问询 吉祥航空财务稳定性恐受考验finance.sina.com.cn
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