The most coveted international route among China Southern Airlines crew isn’t to glamorous destinations in Europe or the United States, but to Africa, a flight attendant recently revealed on Chinese video platform Bilibili.
Back in 2015, during China Southern’s peak era of international expansion, the airline made history by launching China’s first-ever direct passenger route to Africa: Guangzhou to Nairobi. Until then, Chinese travelers heading to East Africa often had to change planes in Hanoi, Bangkok, Dubai, or Doha, making the journey long and inconvenient. The new route was such a priority that, even before officially starting work, freshly recruited “Pearl Blue” English-speaking flight attendants were fast-tracked for service: sent to apply for official passports, given yellow fever vaccinations, and prepared specifically for Africa.
Among crew members, the Nairobi flight quickly earned a reputation as a “profit route,” coveted for its unusually generous pay and perks. According to the flight attendant, flying to Nairobi meant double hourly wages, double overnight allowances, and longer layovers—typically five to seven days. Crews were put up in five-star hotels, with meals covered and even options for Chinese food and hotpot to ease homesickness. She shared pay stubs showing that one Nairobi trip earned her about 4,400 yuan ($611) in flight hours plus a $630 overnight allowance, far higher than the 2,000 yuan ($278) and $135 offered for Australia.
Although in recent years the airline has cut back on these premiums, Nairobi remains one of the most desirable routes. Crew members still view it as something like a “wellness” rotation.
Part of its appeal, she said, comes from the passengers themselves. Unlike the often-demanding clientele on transatlantic flights, those on the Nairobi route are usually a mix of African travelers, Chinese contract workers, and a handful of tourists. Many are humble, polite, and even hesitant to ask for anything, assuming food and drinks might come with extra charges. When attendants reassure them that everything is complimentary, their genuine gratitude makes the work feel lighter.
Why Is This Important? This candid account offers a rare glimpse into the inner world of Chinese aviation, revealing not only how airlines incentivized crews for high-risk new routes, but also how Africa, rather than the West, became the hidden prize destination for China’s flight attendants.
