On Dec. 24, Xiamen Airlines (MF), a subsidiary of China Southern Airlines (CZ), welcomed its 20 millionth passenger with a flash mob at the departure hall of Fuzhou Changle International Airport (FOC), marking an important milestone for the carrier in its development.

The flash mob was performed by pilots and flight attendants from the Xiamen-based carrier, surprising numerous travelers at the airport. To enhance the festive atmosphere, the airline staff performed fragments of Christmas song "Jingle Bells".

The lucky 20 millionth passenger Mr. Wu Minsheng, who has brought a ticket from Fuzhou to Beijing, received 20,000 Egret points and gifts handed by Cai Chengbao, deputy general manager of Xiamen Airlines. Mr. Wu also got an upgrade on his 787 Dreamliner flight MF8107.

Xiamen Airlines is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The airline was founded in 1984, with a registered capital of 20 million yuan.

In the past five years, the Xiamen-based carrier saw its passenger number grow from 10 million in 2009 to 20 million in 2014. During the period, Xiamen Airlines has expanded its fleet to 113 aircraft from 57 in 2009, with its total asset increasing from 10 billion yuan to 35 billion yuan. Besides, Xiamen Airlines reported a total net profit of 8 billion yuan from 1999 to 2014, blasting as the only Chinese airline that has been profitable for consecutive 27 years since 1988.

As of December 2014, Xiamen Airlines owns China's largest all-Boeing aircraft with 113 aircraft, including 17 737-700s, 88 737-800s and 6 757-200s and 2 787 Dreamliners, operating 226 domestic services and 37 regional & international services.

Che Shanglun, chairman of Xiamen Airlines, said the airline is scheduled to receive 19 new aircraft in 2015 and launch its first ever non-stop long-haul route to Europe in next July, to consolidate its domestic network and further extend its global reach. Meanwhile, the airline will unveil new flight attendant uniforms and update its cabin services.