China Southern Airlines is the largest airline in China by fleet size and passenger volume, and one of the largest carriers in the world. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Guangzhou, it operates an extensive domestic network across China as well as international routes spanning Asia, Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Oceania. The airline is a state-owned enterprise under the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and was a founding member of SkyTeam alliance before announcing its withdrawal in 2019. It has since pursued independent partnerships and bilateral agreements to expand its global reach. China Southern operates one of the youngest and most modern fleets in the world, including wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A380, making it a key player in long-haul international aviation.