China: Hainan Airlines retains Skytrax Five-Star rating for 15th year - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Hainan Airlines has retained its Skytrax Five-Star Airline rating for the 15th consecutive year. The recognition was announced at the 2026 World Airline Awards in London, where the carrier also received awards for Best Airline in China, Best Airline Staff Service in China and Best Business Class Airline Comfort Amenities.

The airline was also placed among the ten airlines included in Skytrax’s World’s Best Airlines list for 2026 and took fourth place in the World’s Best Cabin Crew category. Zhu Tao, Vice President of HNA Aviation Group and Chairman of Hainan Airlines, represented the company at the ceremony.

International network grows beyond 70 routes

The awards come as Hainan Airlines continues to expand beyond its domestic Chinese market. Its international and regional network now comprises more than 70 routes that have resumed, recently launched or are scheduled to begin.

The network spans Asia, Europe, Africa, North America and Oceania. At the same time, Hainan Airlines is strengthening selected domestic connections. Its Premium Express network has grown to nine routes, while six routes are operated as part of its Free Trade Port Express network.

“We are greatly honored to receive three prestigious awards from SKYTRAX,” said Zhu Tao. “These accolades are high recognition of Hainan Airlines' service quality and product innovation, and represent the combined achievements of our dedicated workforce and the enduring trust of our passengers.”

More airports integrated into connecting services

Hainan Airlines is also expanding services for passengers connecting between domestic, international and regional flights.

Ground services for connecting itineraries are now available at major hubs including Beijing, Shenzhen, Chongqing, Haikou, Xi'an, Changsha, Chengdu Tianfu, Shanghai Pudong and Guangzhou.

The number of domestic departure points covered by these services has increased from 19 to 36. Outside mainland China, the corresponding network now includes 41 departure points.

Lounges and ground services under three brands

The carrier structures parts of its premium service around three concepts called DREAM, HAI and CARE.

DREAM covers lounge experiences, including Hainan Airlines' own facilities in Beijing, Haikou, Hangzhou, Urumqi and Taiyuan. Partner lounges are available in Guangzhou and Shenzhen, with another planned for Chongqing. In Shanghai, the airline operates a co-branded lounge developed with IHG.

The HAI concept includes services such as HAI-PASS, international self-check-in options and connecting journeys with through-checked baggage. CARE includes services designed for specific passenger requirements, including options for travelling with pets in the cabin.

Chinese cuisine becomes part of the onboard product

Hainan Airlines is also developing its inflight catering through partnerships with hospitality and restaurant brands. Its renewed cooperation with IHG Hotels & Resorts includes a menu developed with Cai Feng Lou at HUALUXE Xi'an Tanghua.

Under the concept “Dining Above the Clouds: Finest Flavors from North and South”, the menu draws on culinary traditions associated with Xi'an. The airline has also revised its onboard beverage selection.

The service developments form part of Hainan Airlines' effort to combine elements of Chinese culture with its international premium product as its network continues to expand beyond China.

Image Credit: © AI generated illustration with material courtesy of Hainan Airlines