The Sichuan Airlines logo is lyrical and romantic. The emblem touches the strings of the soul and beckons one to journey. The vast expanse of sky and water meets at the horizon, and the company’s customers can witness this beauty from the airplane window. The emblem indicates that traveling with the brand is something special.
Sichuan Airlines began on September 19, 1986, as a regional carrier in China’s Sichuan province. It was created as a joint venture between the Civil Aviation Administration of China and the Sichuan provincial government, as part of a wider effort to develop regional air transport and improve access to the province.
Commercial flights started on July 14, 1988, with a route between Chengdu and Wanzhou. The first fleet used Xian Y-7 turboprop aircraft, a Chinese version of the Soviet An-24, suited to operations in Sichuan’s mountainous terrain. During the 1990s, the airline expanded across Sichuan and nearby regions, supporting local business travel and tourism.
In 1995, Sichuan Airlines began fleet modernization by acquiring its first Airbus A320, which provided the company with greater range and capacity. A major ownership change came in 2002, when China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines took stakes in the carrier. In 2004, the airline entered the international market with its first overseas route to Seoul, South Korea.
In 2010, the arrival of the Airbus A330 allowed Sichuan Airlines to start long-haul services, including routes to Australia and New Zealand. By 2012, it had opened a transcontinental route from Chengdu to Vancouver. In 2016, it placed orders for Airbus A320neo and A350 aircraft. In 2018, it expanded into Europe and the United States, adding destinations such as Copenhagen and Boston. In 2019, the company increased cargo operations, and in 2020, it focused more on domestic flights during the global aviation crisis.
Meaning and History
What is Sichuan Airlines?
This is a Chinese airline based in Chengdu, known for its role in developing air connectivity in China’s western region. The carrier operates a diverse fleet serving domestic and international routes, including Airbus A320, A330, and A350 aircraft. The airline stands out for its “Panda Miles” loyalty program, which allows members to earn miles on flights and partner purchases.
1988 – today
The petrel symbolizes the entrepreneurial spirit of Sichuan Airlines. The round base represents the Earth, and the four wavy stripes signify rivers, which stand for love, beauty, kindness, and honesty. Adjacent to this symbol is a two-tiered inscription. The first line features Chinese characters, including one (川) that abbreviates “Sichuan,” symbolizing a river. This character evokes movement, suggesting that the company’s ships and airplanes connect China to the world. The logo also includes the brand name in English for international recognition.
The bird symbol embodies freedom and extensive reach, aligning perfectly with an airline’s identity. The rivers signify connection and continuous flow, resonating with the airline’s goal of providing seamless travel. The bilingual text in Chinese and English highlights the airline’s commitment to serving domestic and international markets.
The logo’s design elements work together harmoniously. The petrel, representing boundless freedom, captures the essence of Sichuan Airlines’ ambitions. The circular base, symbolizing the Earth, establishes a global perspective. The four wavy stripes, embodying rivers, add depth and meaning, emphasizing values such as love, beauty, kindness, and honesty. These values reflect the airline’s dedication to providing a positive and trustworthy service.


