The government of Dalian had closed a similar deal with HNA Group, parent of Hainan Airlines, before.

However, due to disagreement between the two parties, the deal was abandoned later, opening the door for Air China.

[3] The airline has launched commercial operations effective 31 December 2011; its first flight was from Dalian to Shenzhen.

[4] The airline will serve a domestic network linking its Dalian hub with all Chinese provincial capitals, coastal cities, and tourism destinations.

[5] Current routes are listed below: As of December 2023[update], Dalian Airlines operates the following aircraft:[6][7]