In 2012 China Southern Airlines (CZ) transported over 86,46 million passengers, a growth of 7.18%, with which CZ ranks – for the 34th year in a row – first place of all Asian airlines and third place worldwide in annual passenger volume.

2012 was a year of expansion, safety and renewal. With the introduction of 56 new aircraft China Southern at the moment owns around 500 aircraft, among which multiple impressive Airbus A380’s, of which one is flying the routing Guangzhou – Los Angeles. Concerning safety China Southern Airlines reached in September 2012 as the first Chinese airline 10 million consecutive safe flight hours, and was rewarded by the Chinese Aviation authorities with the prestigious ‘Flight Safety Diamond Award’. At the beginning of the Chinese New Year the amount of safe flight hours was already over 10.38 million in total. Important international destinations were launched, such as the direct London – Guangzhou route in June 2012, and destination Cairns during the Australian Summer months. With more lenient transfer possibilities and immigration- and visa policies at the main CZ hubs Beijing Guangzhou, the airline offers great transfer flights to 193 destinations in 35 countries and regions, among which Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and Indonesia.

In the Netherlands China Southern also experienced positive developments. Since the introduction of the Premium Economy Class on the routes from Amsterdam to Beijing & Guangzhou mid 2012, CZ now offers four classes on board – First, Business, Premium Economy en Economy Class – so something for everybody.

Furthermore there was an increase of 31% in passenger volume and a capacity increase of 44% on these routes. These positive developments helped to reward the sales depart-ment at the China Southern Amsterdam office with the title “Best Sales department passenger traffic 2012” of all 56 foreign CZ offices. 2013 is the year of the snake, This sign stands for positivity, development and perseverance, and is known to help us to face challenges ahead: so onwards to a challenging and thriving new year.