According to chinadailyasia.com, the combined catalog value of the deal is approximately US$21.4 billion, though the actual price is lower due to undisclosed concessions from Airbus. China Southern will fund the purchase through a combination of internal resources and external financing.

Order driven by demand recovery

The order comes as China’s largest state-owned airline returns to profit and rebuilds international traffic. Reuters reported that CZ posted a first-quarter net profit of 1.48 billion yuan, reversing a loss from a year earlier, while its international passenger traffic in March rose 23% year over year. Reuters also said Chinese international airline capacity is forecast to reach about 91% of 2019 levels this summer, with Europe and Australasia emerging as the main growth corridors.

This order signals that CZ anticipates medium-term growth in short- and medium-haul markets, despite increasing volatility in the operating environment. Reuters reported that the sector faces challenges from higher fuel prices due to the war in Iran, and that shares of CZ, Air China (CA), and China Eastern (MU) declined on Thursday despite improved profitability.

Airbus strengthens position in China

This agreement further strengthens Airbus’ presence in the Chinese market. Reuters reported that China Eastern ordered 101 A320neo-family aircraft last month, marking another significant commitment from a Chinese carrier. The latest deal reinforces Airbus’ position in a key growth market, especially as long-haul recovery remains inconsistent and narrowbody efficiency gains importance.

China Southern is preparing for long-term recovery, with deliveries beginning in 2028. This order reflects a strategic focus on future capacity and renewal, aligned with anticipated demand several years ahead. It also highlights a shift in international priorities, with greater emphasis on Asia-Pacific, Europe, and Australasia, and less immediate focus on North America.

Credits: China Southern Airlines

The post China Southern Airlines Group Orders 137 Airbus A320neo Jets first appeared on AircrewNews.com.

Incident Overview

Flight CZ3554, operated by an Airbus A330-343 (registration B-1062), was bound for Shenzhen (SZX) when it encountered a flock of birds during its initial climb. The impact was centered directly on the aircraft’s nose radome—the fiberglass shell that protects the plane’s weather radar and sensitive navigation equipment.

According to flight data and ground reports, the strike was powerful enough to completely compromise the structural integrity of the composite body. Images circulating on social media show the radome almost entirely stripped away, exposing the internal radar dish.

Emergency Response

Immediately following the strike, the flight crew:

• Declared an Emergency: Notified Air Traffic Control (ATC) of the structural damage.
• Initiated an Air Turn Back (ATB): Ceased the climb and requested an immediate return to Shanghai.
• Safe Landing: The aircraft touched down safely at Hongqiao International Airport at approximately 10:45 AM local time.

Passenger Status and Next Steps

All passengers and crew members disembarked the aircraft without injury. China Southern confirmed that a replacement aircraft was arranged to transport the affected travelers to Shenzhen later that afternoon.

The damaged Airbus A330 has been pulled from service for a full inspection and repairs. Aviation authorities are expected to conduct a routine investigation into the event, which is currently classified as a major bird strike incident.

Credits: China Southern Airline

The post China Southern Airlines Airbus A330 loses its radome during birdstrike first appeared on AircrewNews.com.