9 Air
3/5
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Code: AQ
Popular 9 Air Flight Routes
Guangzhou (CAN)
Harbin (HRB)
Guangzhou (CAN)
Bangkok (BKK)
Guiyang (KWE)
Kuala Lumpur (KUL)
Guangzhou (CAN)
Osaka (KIX)
Quanzhou (ZQU)
Bangkok (BKK)
Kansai (KIX)
Linyi (LYI)
Kansai (KIX)
Hefei (HFE)
9 Air
About 9 Air
Founded in 2014, 9 Air (AQ) is a prominent low-cost carrier headquartered in Guangzhou, China. As a subsidiary of Juneyao Air, it quickly established itself as the first and only low-cost airline based in Central and Southern China, focusing on providing affordable air travel options.
Since commencing commercial operations in 2015 with its inaugural flight from Guangzhou to Zhanjiang, 9 Air has expanded its network to cover numerous domestic routes within China and a growing number of international destinations across East and Southeast Asia.
Fleet and Network
9 Air operates a modern, all-Boeing 737 narrow-body fleet, comprising 22 Boeing 737-800 aircraft and 5 Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, totaling 27 aircraft. This streamlined fleet allows the airline to maintain operational efficiency while serving its extensive network of 67 destinations.
The airline's primary focus is on connecting major Chinese cities, alongside popular international routes to countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan. While its network is robust in Asia, 9 Air does not currently operate flights to any destinations in the GCC region, including Dubai, Riyadh, or Abu Dhabi.
In-flight Experience and Innovation
As a low-cost carrier, 9 Air offers an all-Economy Class cabin, with options to purchase extra-legroom seats for enhanced comfort. Meals and beverages are available for pre-order or purchase onboard, catering to passenger preferences.
Notably, 9 Air made history in 2018 by becoming the first Chinese domestic airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi access on a narrow-body aircraft, providing a free messaging service tier to its passengers. This commitment to innovation enhances the travel experience for budget-conscious travelers.
GCC Transit Information
Although 9 Air does not serve GCC destinations directly, travelers from GCC countries flying via Guangzhou (CAN) may be eligible for China's 144-hour transit visa exemption. This allows for extended layovers and exploration of the region when continuing to a third country, offering flexibility for international itineraries.
Latest 9 Air News
9 Air Adds Quanzhou – Bangkok Service
25 November 20259 Air has recently expanded its Southeast Asia network by launching a new daily service connecting Quanzhou with Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport. This new route enhances connectivity between China and Thailand.
The daily flight is operated using modern Boeing 737-800 aircraft, ensuring a comfortable journey for passengers. The service originates from either Shenyang or Changchun, making a stop in Quanzhou before proceeding to Bangkok, offering more travel options for passengers from multiple cities.
9 Air launches new KIX–LYI and KIX–HFE routes
30 May 20259 Air announced the introduction of new direct flights from Kansai International Airport (KIX) to Linyi (LYI) and Hefei (HFE), significantly boosting its international presence. The Kansai to Linyi route marks the first direct air link between these two cities.
The Kansai to Linyi service operates three times a week, commencing on June 3, 2025. Following this, the Kansai to Hefei route will begin on June 21, 2025, with four weekly flights. Both new services utilize Boeing 737 aircraft, reinforcing 9 Air's commitment to expanding its network in East Asia.
9 Air to commence Guiyang-Kuala Lumpur service
28 August 20259 Air has scheduled a new twice-weekly service connecting Guiyang, China, to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This new route strengthens the airline's connectivity between Southwest China and Southeast Asia.
The service launched on September 3, 2025, and is operated with Boeing 737-800 equipment. 9 Air is currently the sole scheduled operator on this specific route, offering a unique direct travel option for passengers.
Airline Bookings
| Booking | Book your 9 Air flights easily and securely on Flyin.com, offering a seamless booking experience for domestic and international routes. Manage your reservations and access your itinerary with convenience through our platform. |
| Prices | Find competitive prices for 9 Air flights on Flyin.com. Our platform allows you to compare fares across different cabin classes and travel dates to secure the best deals for your journey with 9 Air. |
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Airline Awards
2024
Top 5 Low-Cost Airlines in China (Ranked 3rd) Awarded by Skytrax, recognizing 9 Air's position among the leading low-cost carriers in China.
9 Air Highlights
Airline Information
| IATA Code | AQ |
| ICAO Code | |
| Main Company | Juneyao Air |
| Company Headquarters | Guangzhou, China |
| Number of Destinations | 67 |
| Year of Operation | 2015 |
| Slogan | |
| Alliances | No, but parent company Juneyao Air is a Star Alliance Connecting Partner |
| Customer Service Number | |
| Key Fact | First and only low-cost airline headquartered in Central and Southern China. |
| Key Fact | Operates an all-Boeing 737 narrow-body fleet. |
| Key Fact | First Chinese LCC to offer in-flight Wi-Fi messaging on narrow-body aircraft. |
Popular 9 Air Destinations
9 Air primarily serves an extensive network of domestic destinations across China, connecting major cities and regional hubs.
Guangzhou to Harbin FlightsGuangzhou to Bangkok FlightsGuiyang to Kuala Lumpur FlightsGuangzhou to Osaka FlightsFrequently Asked Questions about 9 Air
No, 9 Air (AQ) is not part of a global airline alliance. However, its parent company, Juneyao Air, is a Star Alliance Connecting Partner, which offers some extended benefits through that affiliation.
9 Air permits one piece of cabin baggage weighing up to 7 kg, with maximum dimensions of 20 x 30 x 40 cm. Checked baggage allowance varies by fare class: Basic includes 0 kg, Standard includes 10 kg (domestic) or 20 kg (international), and Plus includes 40 kg.
Online check-in for 9 Air flights is typically available 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Airport check-in counters open 180 minutes before departure and close 60 minutes prior to the flight.
Yes, 9 Air is a Certified 3-Star Low-Cost Airline by Skytrax. It is recognized for its affordable fares, modern Boeing 737 fleet, and fair cabin cleanliness, making it a solid choice for budget travelers primarily within China and to regional Asian destinations.
9 Air operates an all-Economy Class cabin across its fleet. Passengers have the option to pay an additional fee to select extra-legroom seats, which are typically located at the front of the cabin or in the exit rows, for enhanced comfort.
No, 9 Air does not currently operate flights to Dubai, Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, or any other destinations within the GCC region. Its network is primarily focused on domestic China and regional routes in Southeast and East Asia.
Cancellations for 9 Air flights are permitted, but they are subject to a fee that depends on the specific fare class purchased (e.g., 9AirBasic or 9AirStandard). Change and refund requests must be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the flight's scheduled departure, and service fees are generally non-refundable.
9 Air Historic Milestones
2014
Founding of 9 Air
9 Air was founded as a low-cost subsidiary of Juneyao Air, marking its entry into the competitive Chinese aviation market.
2015
Commencement of Commercial Operations
The airline officially commenced commercial operations with its inaugural flight from Guangzhou to Zhanjiang, beginning its journey as a budget carrier.
2018
First In-flight Wi-Fi on Narrow-body Aircraft
9 Air became the first Chinese domestic airline to offer in-flight Wi-Fi access on a narrow-body aircraft, enhancing passenger connectivity.
2019
Launch of First International Flight
The airline launched its first international flight from Guangzhou to Sihanoukville, Cambodia, expanding its network beyond domestic borders.