Hainan Airlines

As one of just eight Asian airlines to achieve a five-star rating from the UK-based consultant Skytrax, Hainan is unquestionably among the world's finest airlines. It has been especially inventive as it broadens its selection of overseas destinations, becoming the first airline to conduct direct flights between Boston and China in 2013.

The People's Republic of China's island of Hainan is home to Haikou, where Hainan Airlines is headquartered. According to Skytrax, the airline has a 5-star rating. It ranks as the fourth-biggest airline in the People's Republic of China in terms of fleet size and the tenth-largest airline in Asia in terms of passengers carried. It is the largest civilian-run and mostly state-owned air transport firm.

It currently operates flights to 500 destinations from its base in Haikou. In addition to being named the finest airline in China, it was also named the 19th-best airline globally and ranked among the top 10 airlines in the world for cabin crew and business class. With hubs at Beijing Capital International Airport, Xi'an Xianyang International Airport, and numerous focus cities, Haikou Meilan International Airport serves as its primary base.

Founded: 1989
Headquarters: No. 7 Guoxing Avenue, Meilan District, Haikou, Hainan, China
Website: www.hainanairlines.com