The airline's presence in Manhattan comes as it commemorates the 12th anniversary of its direct route between New York and Guangzhou. Over seven decades, the carrier has expanded its reach to serve over 1,000 destinations, anchored by a fleet of 972 aircraft as of late 2025. This inventory includes a mix of Boeing 787 and 777 jets, Airbus A350 and A330 models, and domestic C909 and C919 aircraft.

Operational metrics from 2025 underscore the scale of these ambitions, with the airline transporting 174 million passengers and maintaining a 91.01% on-time performance rate. Beyond the logistics of flight, the company is pushing toward environmental targets, incorporating sustainable aviation fuel and carbon-footprint-labeled meals into its "Gourmet Southern Airlines" service initiative. The celebration in Times Square serves as a public pivot point for the airline as it balances its long-standing focus on safety—boasting over 30 million consecutive hours of accident-free flight—with its ongoing efforts to modernize its environmental footprint.