China Southern Airlines, officially known as China Southern Airlines Company Limited, is one of the largest and most prominent carriers in China. Headquartered in Guangzhou, with extensive operations across Asia, Australia, and beyond, the airline plays a vital role in the country's air transport services industry. Founded in 1988, China Southern has grown significantly, establishing itself as a key player in both domestic and international markets.
Specialising in passenger and cargo transportation, the airline offers a comprehensive range of services that emphasise safety, reliability, and extensive route networks. Its modern fleet and strategic alliances have helped it maintain a strong market position, making China Southern Airlines a notable leader in the global aviation industry.
-2 vs industry average
China Southern Airlines’s score of 16 is lower than 40% of the industry. This can give you a sense of how well the company is doing compared to its peers.
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Industry Intensity
Air Transport is among the most carbon-intensive industries
Industry performance
The Air Transport industry has reduced its overall emissions by 25% since 2018
Emissions trajectory 2020 – 2027
Reported emissions
Scope 3 accounts for ••• of total emissions.
China Southern Airlines's reported carbon emissions
China Southern Airlines, an air transport services company based in CN, has reported significant carbon emissions from its operations. In the reporting year 2024, the airline's Scope 1 emissions totalled approximately 29.04 billion kg CO2e, with Scope 2 emissions at about 233.4 million kg CO2e. For the previous year, 2023, Scope 1 emissions were approximately 25.70 billion kg CO2e, and Scope 2 emissions were around 203.2 million kg CO2e.
The airline's reporting indicates a focus on achieving carbon peak and neutrality goals, with scenario mapping studies for whole-industry chain carbon reduction. These efforts align with long-term net-zero ambitions. In the near term, China Southern Airlines has set targets for electrification, aiming for 100% electrification of airport vehicles by 2030 and comprehensive vehicle electrification by 2035. Furthermore, it aims for 100% electrification of newly introduced airport vehicles and equipment by 2025.
In a notable achievement in 2023, fuel consumption per ton-kilometre decreased by 7.68% compared to 2019, contributing to annual fuel savings of 175,100 tonnes and reducing carbon emissions by 551,600 tonnes. This performance ranked the company among the leaders in the civil aviation industry for fuel efficiency.
While the company has disclosed Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions data, Scope 3 emissions data is not currently available. Missing Scope 3 data points include purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities, and upstream transportation and distribution.
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China Southern Airlines’s Climate Goals (2030 & 2050)
2025
Near-zero scope 1 & 2
Target to achieve near-zero emissions for direct operations and purchased energy
2030
62% reduction in total GHG
Vs 2019 baseline. Validated by SBTi. Includes full supply chain.
2040
50% reduction in Scope 3 intensity
Across purchased goods and services and logistics.
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Scope 3 top emissions categories
No scope 3 category breakdown has been disclosed yet.
Emissions comparison with industry peers
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China Southern Airlines
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