Originally named United Eagle Airlines Co., Ltd (鹰联航空公司; also known as UEAir), the company was founded in 2004 by a former executive of China Northwest Airlines, with the necessary funding being provided by the Vickers Financial Group.

[4] Another similar aircraft type, the slightly smaller Airbus A319, was put in service with United Eagle Airlines on 2 December of that year.

[4] In late 2009, these shares were sold to Chinese aircraft manufacturer Comac and to Chengdu Communications Investment Group.

Following this ownership change, United Eagle Airlines placed a firm order for 30 Comac ARJ21s, the first of which initially was planned to be delivered in late 2010.

[4][6] As of November 2024[update], the Chengdu Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft:<[citation needed] Chengdu Airlines was the launch customer for the Comac ARJ21, entering the type into service in June 2016.