China United Airlines

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China United Airlines (中国联合航空)

IATA KN	ICAO CUA	Callsign LIANHANG
Founded		1986
Hubs		N/A
Fleet size		3
Destinations		18
Headquarters		Beijing, People's Republic of China
Key people
Website: http://www.cu-air.com

China United Airlines was established in 1986 as an arm of People's Liberation Army civil transport division, and operates a scheduled charter network in co-operation with local enterprises.

In November 2002, China United Airlines terminated its scheduled service across the country. In 2003, China United Airlines ceased its operation due to a new regulation imposed by the Chinese government which disallows the People's Liberation Army to be involved in commercial activities.

However, on June 4, 2005, the General Administration of Civil Aviation of China (CAAC) approved China United Airlines to be reconstructed by Shanghai Airlines and China Aviation Supplies (CASGC), with Shanghai Airlines holding 80% of the stake. Even though the China United Airlines has now lost its military status, it is expected to continue to fly using military airports and reach to destinations which are inaccessible by other commercial airlines in China.

At this point, the new China United Airlines has two Boeing 737-700 leased from Shanghai Airlines and one Boeing 737-800. China United is the only airline that uses Beijing Nanyuan Airport, a former military airfield 18 km to the south of the city.