With a fleet of 134 Airbus A320 and A321 aircraft, Spring Airlines has grown into China’s largest and most successful low-cost carrier.

Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Shanghai, Spring Airlines was established by the Shanghai-based Spring Travel Agency with a vision to bring affordable air travel to China’s rapidly expanding middle class. The airline launched operations in 2005 with a single Airbus A320. By stripping back extras and focusing on efficiency, operating only one aircraft type (the Airbus A320 family), ensuring quick turnaround times, and adopting dense seating layouts, Spring carved out a niche in a market traditionally dominated by the country’s three state-owned giants: Air China, China Eastern, and China Southern.

Josh Wood, AirlineRatings’ Safety and Service Quality Manager, joined passengers on six Spring Airlines flights across domestic and international routes to give his first hand review

Note: The information contained in this review pertains to Spring Airlines China Only, it does not include Spring Airlines Japan

Seat Configuration and Comfort

Spring’s aircraft are configured in an all-economy layout with the standard 3-3 narrowbody seating arrangement. Extra legroom seats are available in rows 1 and 2, as well as at the emergency exits. All other seats range between 28 and 29 inches in pitch, which can feel tight for taller travellers. At 6’2, the reviewer trialled a mix of seats to capture the full experience, noting that extra legroom is worth paying for on overnight flights, while on shorter daytime services the standard seats are manageable. The seats are of an expected level of comfort for a low-cost airline, with the seats being on the hard side with no recline available. There is no adjustable headrest, and the armrests are small, but retractable.

Entertainment and Amenities

Spring Airlines does not provide inflight Wi-Fi, entertainment systems, blankets, pillows, or amenity kits, which is consistent with its low-cost business model. There are no in-seat power outlets, and the use of power banks is prohibited at all stages of the flight. Passengers are therefore advised to ensure their devices are fully charged and to download content in advance, particularly for longer flights of up to five hours.

Refreshments

As with most low-cost carriers, snacks, meals, and drinks are available for purchase rather than offered complimentary. The buy-on-board menu, located in the seatback pocket, is broadly in line with industry standards for a budget airline. Spring Airlines offers two hot meal options alongside a reasonable range of snacks and beverages. The snack selection is primarily tailored to Chinese tastes, with limited Western-branded options available. Prices are generally affordable for international passengers, though some Chinese travellers may find them on the higher side. The meals were actually incredibly tasty which this reviewer didn’t expect.

Cabin Crew Service and Safety

The crew, as is typical on most Chinese carriers, are structured and highly efficient. Cabin crew are not generally seen engaging in casual conversation with passengers during the flight, instead remaining focused on their duties and ensuring services are delivered smoothly. That said, they are consistently friendly, approachable, and willing to assist, offering smiles and support from boarding through to deboarding. On one occasion, a passenger boarded with a nose bleed and the cabin crew were attentive and supportive to make sure this passenger was fit and able to fly.

On safety, Spring Airlines holds a 7/7 rating. The airline has a crash-free history, successfully passed the IOSA audit, and operates a modern fleet with a very low incident rate.

Fleet

At the time of review, Spring operated the current fleet

Conclusion

Spring Airlines serves more than 80 domestic destinations from its hubs at Shanghai Pudong and Hongqiao, as well as several other key cities. The carrier also operates a growing international network across East and Southeast Asia, with flights to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Singapore. With operations focused on high-frequency, short-haul routes, point-to-point services, and regional cross-border flights Spring Airlines offers a friendly and dependable onboard experience for cost-conscious travellers looking to get from A to B.

With new aircraft on order, the airline plans to expand its network and increase flight frequencies, giving passengers greater choice and flexibility. Coupled with low fares, strong operational efficiency and an outstanding safety record thus far, Spring Airlines is well-positioned to strengthen its role as a leading low-cost carrier for both Chinese and international travellers. Looking ahead, a refreshed livery in 2026 will further modernise the brand and enhance its appeal to a wider audience.

AirlineRatings recommends Spring Airlines as a Seven Star rated low-cost carrier for safety.

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