Air China

As the national airline of the People’s Republic of China and one of its largest carriers, Air China is proud to serve as a vital bridge connecting China to the world. We are committed to providing safe, efficient, and high-quality air transportation, embodying the spirit of Chinese hospitality in the skies.

Our Story: A Rich History of Connecting China

Air China’s origins are deeply intertwined with the development of civil aviation in China. The airline was officially established on July 1, 1988, as a result of a government decision to split the operational divisions of the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC Airlines) into several independent carriers. Air China was specifically designated with the primary responsibility for intercontinental flights, taking over CAAC’s long-haul aircraft and international routes.

From its inception, Air China embraced its role as the national flag carrier, proudly displaying the national flag on its aircraft. Over the years, the airline has undergone strategic mergers and consolidations, notably with China National Aviation Holding and China Southwest Airlines in the early 2000s, further strengthening its network and capabilities. In December 2004, Air China became a publicly traded company, listing its shares on both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange, a significant step in its journey of growth and international aspirations.

Leadership and Ownership

Air China Limited is a publicly listed company, but its ownership structure features a significant majority stake held by state-owned entities. The largest shareholder is the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), which ensures strong government influence and support for the airline’s operations and strategic direction.

The leadership team is dedicated to upholding Air China’s commitment to safety, service, and continuous improvement. Currently, Mr. Ma Chongxian serves as the Chairman, providing strategic oversight, while Mr. Wang Mingyuan holds the position of President, overseeing the airline’s day-to-day operations and driving its global competitiveness.

Our Fleet: A Symbol of Modern Aviation

Air China operates one of the largest and most modern fleets in Asia, featuring a mix of highly efficient and comfortable aircraft designed for both domestic and international travel. Our fleet includes:

  • Wide-body Aircraft: Primarily Boeing 747 (including the advanced 747-8), Boeing 777 (777-300ER), Boeing 787 Dreamliner (787-9), and Airbus A330 (A330-200/300) and A350 (A350-900). These aircraft are used for our extensive international and long-haul routes, offering multiple cabin classes including First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy.
  • Narrow-body Aircraft: Predominantly Airbus A320 family (A319, A320, A321) and Boeing 737 NG/MAX family (737-700, 737-800, 737 MAX 8) for our vast domestic network and shorter international flights.
  • Next-Generation Aircraft: We are also among the first airlines to introduce China-produced aircraft like the Comac ARJ21 and Comac C919 into our fleet, reflecting our support for domestic aviation advancements.

Air China also operates a dedicated cargo division, Air China Cargo, providing comprehensive air freight services globally.

Connecting China to the World: Our Extensive Network

With major hubs at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX), and Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU), Air China offers unparalleled connectivity. We serve:

  • Extensive Domestic Network: Connecting hundreds of cities across all regions of China, facilitating travel for business, tourism, and family.
  • Robust International Reach: Direct flights to key destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Oceania, Africa, and the Middle East. Our vast international network ensures that travelers worldwide can easily access China, and Chinese travelers can explore the globe.

Your Journey, Your Rewards: PhoenixMiles Program

Our dedicated frequent flyer program, PhoenixMiles (凤凰知音), is designed to reward your loyalty and enhance your travel experience. As a PhoenixMiles member, you can:

  • Earn Miles: Accrue miles on all eligible Air China flights, as well as flights operated by our affiliated carriers (Shenzhen Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Air Macau, etc.).
  • Redeem Miles: Utilize your accumulated miles for flight rewards, cabin upgrades, and a variety of travel and lifestyle products from our partners.
  • Enjoy Elite Status Benefits: Progress through our membership tiers to unlock exclusive privileges that make your airport and in-flight experience more comfortable:
    • Priority Airport Services: Enjoy benefits like priority check-in, priority baggage drop-off, priority boarding, and priority baggage handling.
    • Airport Lounge Access: Relax in our premium Air China lounges and affiliated lounges at airports worldwide.
    • Extra Baggage Allowance: Benefit from increased baggage allowances.
    • And More: A range of other exclusive services and benefits designed for our most valued members.