Shandong Airlines
A full-service Chinese carrier based in Shandong province, operating an extensive domestic network led by Jinan and Qingdao.
About Shandong Airlines
Shandong Airlines is a scheduled Chinese carrier founded in 1994 and headquartered in Jinan, the capital of Shandong province. Its identity is closely tied to the province, while its ownership structure links it to Shandong Aviation Group and Air China. It operates under the SC airline code and primarily serves the mainstream passenger market rather than the low-cost segment.
Jinan is the airline’s primary hub and its busiest departure point, followed by Qingdao, Xiamen, Yantai and Guiyang. Shandong Airlines serves 56 destinations across 4 countries through 278 routes. The network is weighted toward domestic China, connecting provincial centres and major commercial cities such as Shanghai, Wuhan, Zhengzhou, Chongqing and Xian, with a smaller selection of international services.
The Boeing 737 family is central to Shandong Airlines operations, particularly the Boeing 737-800. Aircraft records associated with the carrier also include Boeing 737-300s, Airbus A320s, Canadair Regional Jet 200s and 700s, Boeing 767-300s and Boeing 747-400 Combis, reflecting equipment recorded across different periods or operating contexts. Service is generally offered in economy and business class, although cabin layouts and amenities vary by aircraft and route.
Shandong Airlines is not itself a member of Star Alliance, but its close relationship with Air China gives passengers access to selected partnership benefits and connections. Its frequent-flyer offering is linked to Air China’s PhoenixMiles programme, through which eligible travellers can earn and redeem mileage subject to the fare class, route and current programme rules. Alliance-style privileges should be checked carefully because recognition may differ from that available on an Air China-operated flight.
A practical strength is the breadth of its domestic network, especially for travel to, from or within Shandong province. The multiple bases at Jinan, Qingdao, Xiamen, Yantai and Guiyang can also support useful one-stop itineraries. International reach is comparatively limited, and English-language booking or service information may be less comprehensive than on larger global airlines, so overseas travellers should verify ticket conditions and connection requirements before departure.
Good to know
Flying with Shandong Airlines — what to expect
Domestic Network Strength
Shandong Airlines is particularly useful for journeys involving Shandong province and regional Chinese cities. Jinan and Qingdao provide the broadest range of departures.
Check Baggage Rules
Baggage allowances depend on the route, cabin and fare purchased. Review the allowance shown on your ticket, especially when connecting to another airline.
Aircraft May Vary
The Boeing 737 family operates much of the network, but aircraft assignments and cabin layouts can change. Confirm the operating aircraft near departure if seat features matter to you.
PhoenixMiles Credit
Eligible flights may earn PhoenixMiles, but accrual depends on booking class and ticket conditions. Add your membership number before travel and retain boarding passes until mileage posts.
International Connections
The airline’s network is predominantly domestic, so some international journeys require a connection with Air China or another carrier. Check whether baggage is tagged through and whether terminals change.
Network overview
Where Shandong Airlines flies
Shandong Airlines operates 278 routes to 56 destinations across 4 countries, its longest sector reaching Jinan to Urumqi (2,621 km nonstop).
Destinations served
Cities Shandong Airlines flies to, most-served first.
Main hubs
Busiest departure bases, by route count.
Fleet
Aircraft types on record for these routes.
Longest nonstop route
Jinan → Urumqi
2,621 km · TNA → URC
The longest sector in the Shandong Airlines network, measured as the great-circle distance between the two airports.
Route data · TravelPayouts route data · updated 2026-07
Route network
Popular routes operated by Shandong Airlines
Tracked Shandong Airlines routes touch China, South Korea.
ICN - TAOSeoul → Qingdao1h 8m556 kmTAO - ICNQingdao → Seoul1h 8m556 kmKHG - URCKashi → Urumqi1h 44m1,068 kmXNN - XIYXining → Xian1h 15m651 kmCKG - WUHChongqing → Wuhan1h 21m737 kmKMG - KWEKunming → Guiyang0h 59m419 kmURC - KHGUrumqi → Kashi1h 44m1,068 kmWUH - CKGWuhan → Chongqing1h 21m737 kmXIY - XNNXian → Xining1h 15m651 kmPVG - TAOShanghai → Qingdao1h 10m584 kmSHA - TAOShanghai → Qingdao1h 9m571 kmTAO - PVGQingdao → Shanghai1h 10m584 kmTAO - SHAQingdao → Shanghai1h 9m571 kmINC - PEKYinchuan → Beijing1h 32m902 kmKWE - XIYGuiyang → Xian1h 32m898 kmMore from People's Republic of China
Other airlines based in People's Republic of China
FAQ
Shandong Airlines — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- The busiest departure hubs are Jinan, Qingdao, Xiamen, Yantai and Guiyang, in that order by number of routes. Jinan offers the airline’s largest range of departures.
- Shandong Airlines’s primary hub is Jinan, which has the largest number of its departing routes. Qingdao is another major base within Shandong province.
- Shandong Airlines serves 56 destinations across 4 countries and operates 278 routes.
- Lower fares are generally easier to find when booking ahead and avoiding Chinese public holidays, school breaks and peak weekend travel. Comparing flexible dates and nearby departure airports can reveal better prices.
- The longest Shandong Airlines route is Jinan to Urumqi, covering about 2,621 km nonstop.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts. Originfacts never adds a fee to the prices it displays.
- Shandong Airlines flies mainly within China, serving cities including Jinan, Qingdao, Xiamen, Yantai, Guiyang, Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing and Xian. It also operates a smaller number of international routes.
- Carry-on limits vary by cabin, fare and route, and the airline may apply both size and weight restrictions. Check the allowance printed on your booking and the current airline rules before packing.