China Southern Airlines makes world's top 20

China Southern Airlines makes world's top 20

China Southern Airlines has grown to be one of the world's 20 biggest airline companies, according to sources with the company's Shanghai office.

Just days ago, Southern Airlines flew its 20 millionth passenger this year. The Guangzhou-based carrier is China's first aviation company on the mainland to handle more than 20 million passengers annually.

The milestone ranked Southern Airlines among Asia's top five airlines.

The company recorded 5.69 million passengers in 1991, the year it was founded. The annual figure is expected to soar to 21 million by the end of this year.

With a fleet of 180 airplanes, it flies more than 600 domestic and international routes. Its total assets amount to 50.1 billion yuan (6 billion US dollars).