Henan Airlines (Chinese: 河南航空; pinyin: Hénán Hángkōng, formerly Kunpeng Airlines (Chinese: 鲲鹏航空有限公司; pinyin: Kūnpéng Hángkōng Yǒuxiàn Gōngsī), is a regional airline based in northern China. Kunpeng was originally founded as a joint venture between Shenzhen Airlines of China and Mesa Air Group of the United States and was also the largest sino-foreign regional airline in China[1]. In 2009 Mesa Air Group and Shenzhen terminated their agreement and Shenzhen announced that the airline would be renamed Henan Airlines.
[edit] History
The agreement to form Kunpeng Airlines was signed in December 2006, and service began in October 2007. Kunpeng operated both passenger and cargo service as well as charter flights. The airline originally flew Bombardier CRJ200 aircraft which were leased from Mesa Air Group.[2] The airline's livery was made up of red, white, and gold and the name derives from a mythical Chinese bird.[3]
In August 2008, Kunpeng moved its headquarters and operating base to the city of Zhengzhou. Kunpeng was operating at a financial loss and it was hoped that the move would bring the airline into profit. Kungpeng planned on having 200 aircraft and operating 900 daily flights by 2016.[4]
In August 2008, Mesa Air Group stated that they intended to sell all of their shares in Kunpeng to their partner Shenzhen Airlines.[5]
As of June 2009, Mesa Air Group has sold its financial stake in Kunpeng Airlines and all the leased CRJ 200's have been returned to the US.
In 2009 Shenzhen announced that it would be renamed Henan Airlines operating Embraer E-190 aircraft.[6]
On August 27, 2010, Henan provincial authorities revoked the company name "Henan Airlines" that it has previously approved, citing the bad reputation the airline has brought to the province in the aftermath of the plane crash.[7][8][9]. Henan provincial government had previously provided incentives for the airline to move its hub from Xi'an, Shaanxi to Zhengzhou, Henan's capital and largest city.[citation needed]
[edit] Destinations
The Kunpeng Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft (as of 24 August 2010) [1]:
Kunpeng Fleet
| Aircraft |
In Fleet |
Orders |
Passengers |
Notes |
| J |
Y |
Total |
| Comac ARJ21-700 |
— |
100[10] |
TBA
|
Largest order for the type |
| Embraer E190 |
4 |
— |
6 |
92 |
98 |
|
| Total |
4 |
100 |
|
[edit] Incidents and accidents
On August 24, 2010, Henan Airlines Flight 8387 crashed shortly before landing at Yichun Lindu Airport. There were 96 people on board. At least 42 people have been confirmed dead.[11] There are initial reports of some 53 survivors.[12]
[edit] See also
[edit] References
[edit] External links
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