About FM
FM is the IATA code for Shanghai Airlines, a Chinese full-service carrier operating out of two Shanghai bases — Pudong (PVG) and Hongqiao (SHA) — plus secondary hubs at Wenzhou (WNZ) and Kunming (KMG). It's not a budget carrier and it's not China's flagship, which puts it in that interesting middle tier: more amenity than a low-coster, less prestige than Air China or China Eastern. The network is heavily domestic, with 264 of its 290 routes operating within China, which tells you exactly what kind of airline this is — built to move people around the world's most populous domestic market efficiently.
Why fly FM?
The honest case for Shanghai Airlines starts with coverage. If you're connecting through eastern China or need a secondary-city hop that the big names don't bother with, FM fills gaps that would otherwise cost you a frustrating layover on a competitor. The WNZ hub alone signals this — Wenzhou isn't a city that gets much international attention, but it's a major commercial center, and having 12 routes fanning out from there is genuinely useful. Then there's the PVG-MRS route (Shanghai Pudong to Marseille, 9,513 km), which is the kind of long-haul outlier that suggests the airline has international ambitions beyond regional utility. Malaysia, Japan, Hungary, and Thailand round out the international side — not sprawling, but targeted.
FM hub airports
- PVG Shanghai — 58 FM routes from China
- SHA Shanghai — 36 FM routes from China
- WNZ Wenzhou — 12 FM routes from China
- KMG Kunming — 12 FM routes from China
- CGO Zhengzhou — 11 FM routes from China
Top destination countries on FM
- China — 264 FM routes
- Malaysia — 4 FM routes
- Japan — 4 FM routes
- Hungary — 3 FM routes
- Thailand — 3 FM routes
- Republic of Korea — 3 FM routes
- Hong Kong SAR — 2 FM routes
- Macau SAR — 2 FM routes
Tips for booking FM
PVG is where FM operates most heavily (58 routes), so if you're transiting Shanghai, that's your connection point of choice. SHA handles 36 routes and tends to serve shorter domestic sectors — worth knowing because the two airports are not interchangeable and the transfer between them will eat two hours minimum. The international network is thin, so don't expect onward codeshare depth if you're arriving from outside China. Double-check baggage allowances against your fare class before booking — Chinese carriers often tier these more granularly than Western travelers expect, and the difference between economy subclasses can mean one checked bag versus none.
Frequently asked questions about FM
Where does FM airline fly?
FM operates 290 routes primarily serving China, Malaysia, and Japan, making it a key carrier for East and Southeast Asian travel. The airline connects major cities across these regions with a focus on regional connectivity.
What is FM's main hub airport?
FM's primary hub is Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), which serves as the main connection point for the airline's network across Asia.
Is FM a legacy airline, low-cost carrier, or regional airline?
FM operates as a regional carrier with an extensive network of 290 routes, positioning itself as a major player in East and Southeast Asian aviation rather than a traditional legacy or ultra-low-cost model.
When should I book FM flights and what fare classes are available?
For the best fares, book 4-8 weeks in advance, especially for peak travel seasons. FM typically offers multiple fare classes with varying baggage allowances and flexibility options to suit different travel needs.
What are FM's baggage and check-in policies?
Baggage allowances vary by fare class and route; check your booking confirmation for specific limits. Online check-in is available 24 hours before departure, and passengers should arrive at least 2 hours before domestic flights and 3 hours before international flights.