Does DragonAir count? Given it's actually a HK base, and therefore flies to HK... and therefore, technically, international (until you say that to a mainlander )

I've flown a LOT for work, and I've found that reliabllity doesn't have much to do with the airline, but everything to do with: weather, airport/city, somebody's mood-swing, time of year (holidays). The most pathetic of those is the first... as I've had flights delayed cos of a small sprinkle of rain, whereas there've been domestic flights overseas that take off and fly in seriously bad weather....

This question should also ask about other airline factors - food, service (hahaha), comfort, non-Chinese language skills of the flight crew*, etc etc.

(* - I keep thnking to myself I need to make up a little card, saying "I'm an IELTS examiner, and I rate the English of your head flight attendant (who does the announcements) as: ..." - and write values such as "I understood maybe 30% of what you said" etc)

I'd generally agree with Shining. Biggest problem in China is the military controlling about 80% of the airspace. I've forgot the number of times I've had flights delayed out of Hangzhou due to "air traffic control". 

In terms of customer service (though starting from a generally low point any way) I'd go for:

Air China

China Southern

China Eastern

Avoid Spring Airlines as they have NO leg room unless you pay extra.