Although a preparatory team for SF Airlines was founded in 2005, it wasn't until 2009 that the preparation was approved by the Civil Aviation Administration of China. A successful maiden flight was made on 31 December 2009.[3]
SF Airlines began its first flights in 2010 to the plateau area of Yushu City, Qinghai carrying earthquake relief materials.[4] Shortly after, a second Boeing 757-200F was put into operation.[3]
In 2011, SF Airlines became the first company in the industry to pass the CCAR-121-R4 for supplemental operations. They also flew their first Boeing 737-300F in 2011. SF Airlines passed the International Region Supplemental Operation Assessment and became qualified to operate international routes.[3]
In October 2014, Boeing announced that an undisclosed number of Boeing 767-300ER will be converted by Boeing to a Freighter as part of the proven BCF Program for Fleet Expansion by SF Airlines with an entry into service in 2015 of the first aircraft. This agreement also included a Letter of Intent to acquire Boeing 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighters for future fleet expansion and to replace existing B737 Classic aircraft.[5]
SF Airlines had a fleet of 26 Boeing aircraft by the end of 2015. The company managed to establish a hub in Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport to help expand its business in East China.
On 21 October 2016, SF Airlines' 36th freighter and also the 4th B767-300BCF took its test flight in Singapore then diverted to Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport. SF Airlines was arguably the No.1 cargo carrier in China in terms of fleet numbers.
^"Contact Us." SF Airlines. Retrieved on February 24, 2014. "
SF Airlines Co., Ltd. Address: No.1 Freight Depot, International Shipping Center of Bao'an International Airport, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, 518128, P.R.C." - Chinese address: "地 址:中国广东省深圳市宝安国际机场国际货运中心1号货站 邮 编:518128"