International Air Transport Association (IATA) revealed airline rankings of 2011 by passenger throughput on regular flights and fleet size during the 68th IATA Annual General Meeting & World Air Transport Summit in Beijing on June 11, 2012. China Southern Airlines is ranked as the third largest carrier in the world and the first largest in Asia with a fleet of 444 aircraft and passenger traffic of 80.54 million in 2011, according to IATA.

With the largest fleet and the most developed routes network, China Southern carried the largest number of passengers in China. The carrier accumulated 8.98 million safe flying hours, and transported 0.6 billion passengers all together as of the end of December 2011.

In recent years, China Southern has continued to promote its strategic transformation and accelerate its pace to gain a slice of international market. The Guangzhou-based carrier has optimized its route network radiating from its Guangzhou hub and launched a "Canton route" linking Europe and Australia. In 2011, China Southern carried 600,000 passengers on its Australian routes, taking the first place in the air travel market from China to Australia.

In addition, China Southern has sped up the introduction of advanced aircraft and optimization of the fleet structure. The carrier currently has three Airbus A380s in operation, becoming the first in China and the seventh in the world to operate the super jumbo. The carrier also plans to receive its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner this year.

The top three airlines by the passenger number are: Delta Air Lines (113.73 million), American Airlines (86.04 million), and China Southern Airlines (80.54 million). The top three airlines by the fleet size are: Delta Air Lines (709 aircraft), United Airlines (692 aircraft), and China Southern Airlines (444 aircraft).