Airline codes
CA · CCA
IATA · ICAO · callsign “AIR CHINA”
Look for CA in front of the number on your ticket: that prefix marks a flight sold under the Air China code. Enter CA and the number to follow an Air China departure.
Air China (CA) Guide
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Planning a trip on Air China? Here are its Beijing routes, fleet, cabins, luggage rules and check-in steps, with ideas for a lower fare. Ask a question
In short
Air China is the flag carrier of China, headquartered in Beijing with Beijing Capital International and Chengdu as hubs. It serves 200+ destinations in China, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania, so it suits both domestic Chinese trips and long-haul links to Beijing. Air China belongs to Star Alliance and runs PhoenixMiles. It sells First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy.
Air China is the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, headquartered in Beijing. Founded in 1988 when CAAC was split into six airlines, it is a Star Alliance member with a large domestic network and international routes across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.
Please note: bookingMentor is an independent travel service and is not affiliated with Air China. Routes, schedules, fleet and baggage rules change, so always confirm the details of your booking with the airline.
What to expect
Air China (IATA: CA, ICAO: CCA) is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, headquartered in Shunyi District, Beijing. It flies from hubs in Beijing and Chengdu to about 218 destinations in China, the rest of Asia, Europe, North America and Australia, and suits travellers flying into China's capital or connecting through Beijing between Asia and the West.
The 1988 split of CAAC and state ownership
Air China was created on 1 July 1988, when the old state airline, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC), was split into six separate carriers. The state-owned China National Aviation Holding owns 53.46% of the airline. Cathay Pacific of Hong Kong holds a minority stake of about 18%.
Beijing Capital, Daxing and Chengdu hubs
Beijing has two Air China hubs: Beijing Capital International (PEK), the airline's main base, and the newer Beijing Daxing (PKX). Chengdu in Sichuan is the second hub city, with flights at both Shuangliu and the newer Tianfu airport. Shanghai Pudong (PVG) is a secondary hub. Check which Beijing or Chengdu airport your flight uses before you book a connection.
A large group
The Air China group owns stakes in several other airlines: Shenzhen Airlines (51%), Shandong Airlines (51%), Beijing Airlines (51%), Dalian Airlines (80%), Air Macau (66.9%) and Air China Cargo (51%). PhoenixMiles, the loyalty programme, is shared across several of these subsidiaries, so flights on Shenzhen Airlines or Shandong Airlines can earn miles in the same account.
Fact-checked by the bookingMentor Travel Desk
Reviewed · Updated when rules or prices change
Checked against trusted sources:
Air China official website
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Good to know
- Founded1988
- Other gatewaysTFU / PKX / PVG
Everything you should know
At a glance
Air China (IATA: CA, ICAO: CCA) is the flag carrier of China, headquartered in Beijing. Founded in 1988 and a Star Alliance member, it flies a large fleet of Airbus, Boeing and Comac aircraft from hubs in Beijing and Chengdu to destinations across China, Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.
| Headquarters | Shunyi District, Beijing, China |
|---|---|
| Fleet types | Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330, A350, Boeing 737, 747-8, 777, 787 and Comac C909 and C919 |
| Frequent flyer | PhoenixMiles |
| Official website | airchina.com |
Flight routes
Destinations and routes
The Air China network at a glance. The airline changes routes from time to time, and a search shows which CA flights run on your dates.
Search flights
China
Beijing (PEK) departures10 destinations
FromTo PEK PKX BeijingBeijing Daxing Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK TFU BeijingChengdu Tianfu Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK PVG BeijingShanghai Pudong Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK SHA BeijingShanghai Hongqiao Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK CAN BeijingGuangzhou Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK SZX BeijingShenzhen Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK CKG BeijingChongqing Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK HGH BeijingHangzhou Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK XIY BeijingXi’an Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK KMG BeijingKunming Available airlines1 airline- Air China
Asia
Beijing (PEK) departures13 destinations
FromTo PEK NRT BeijingTokyo Narita Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK KIX BeijingOsaka Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK ICN BeijingSeoul Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK SIN BeijingSingapore Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK BKK BeijingBangkok Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK KUL BeijingKuala Lumpur Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK CGK BeijingJakarta Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK KTI BeijingPhnom Penh Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK DAC BeijingDhaka Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK HKG BeijingHong Kong Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK HND BeijingTokyo International (Haneda) Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK CNX BeijingChiang Mai International Airport (CNX) Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK HKT BeijingPhuket International Airport (HKT) Available airlines1 airline- Air China
Europe
Beijing (PEK) departures11 destinations
FromTo PEK LHR BeijingLondon Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK CDG BeijingParis Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK FRA BeijingFrankfurt Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK MUC BeijingMunich Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK VIE BeijingVienna Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK BRU BeijingBrussels Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK MAD BeijingMadrid Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK FCO BeijingRome Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK MXP BeijingMilan Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK ARN BeijingStockholm Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK ATH BeijingAthens Available airlines1 airline- Air China
Americas & Oceania
Beijing (PEK) departures9 destinations
FromTo PEK JFK BeijingNew York Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK LAX BeijingLos Angeles Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK SFO BeijingSan Francisco Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK IAD BeijingWashington Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK YYZ BeijingToronto Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK YVR BeijingVancouver Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK GRU BeijingSão Paulo Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK SYD BeijingSydney Available airlines1 airline- Air China
FromTo PEK MEL BeijingMelbourne Available airlines1 airline- Air China
Fleet and aircraft
Air China operates more than 530 aircraft, with over 200 more on order. Single-aisle jets fly most domestic routes: 98 Boeing 737-800s, 61 Airbus A321-200s, 46 A321neos, 53 A320neos and 38 A320-200s. Long-haul flights use 30 Airbus A350-900s, 28 Boeing 777-300ERs, 28 Airbus A330-300s and 14 Boeing 787-9s, plus Boeing 747-8s. Air China is also an early customer of China's own airliners: it has 35 Comac C909 regional jets and 9 Comac C919s in service, with 99 more C919s due by 2031.
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Airbus A319 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Airbus A320 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Airbus A321 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Boeing 737-700 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Boeing 737-800 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Boeing 737 MAX 8 Narrow-body Domestic and regional routes
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Comac C919 Narrow-body Domestic routes
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Comac C909 Regional jet Domestic routes
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Airbus A330-200 Wide-body Domestic trunk and regional international routes
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Airbus A330-300 Wide-body Domestic trunk and regional international routes
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Airbus A350-900 Wide-body · 30 in service Long-haul routes
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Boeing 777-300ER Wide-body · 28 in service Long-haul routes
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Boeing 787-9 Wide-body · 14 in service Long-haul routes
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Boeing 747-8I Wide-body (four-engine) High-demand routes
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Boeing 747-400 Wide-body (four-engine) High-demand routes
Cabin classes
Air China sells four cabins, First Class, Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy Class. The aircraft and route decide which Air China cabins you can book.
First Class Selected wide-bodies
Top international cabin
Offered on selected long-haul aircraft.
Lie-flat bedLounge access
Business Class Most flights
Business class
Business class across the fleet, with lie-flat seats on long-haul wide-bodies.
Lie-flat on long-haulLounge access
Premium Economy A330, A350, 747-8, 787-9
More space
Offered on A330-300, A350-900, 747-8 and 787-9 aircraft.
Extra recline and legroom
Economy Class All flights
Standard seat
Economy with seat-back screens on 777, 787, A350, 747 and newer A330 aircraft.
On-demand entertainment on newer aircraft
PhoenixMiles
Air China’s loyalty programme. Join PhoenixMiles online before you fly so the trip counts.
PhoenixMiles members earn miles on Air China flights and with Star Alliance partners, and redeem them for award tickets and upgrades.
Air China joined Star Alliance in December 2007, so PhoenixMiles members can earn and spend miles on other Star Alliance airlines, and status from partner programmes is recognised on Air China flights.
Baggage allowance
Air China does not give every passenger the same allowance: the route, the cabin and the fare you buy each change it. Your CA e-ticket shows what you have.
Checked baggage
On your e-ticket
Cabin baggage
Set by your fare
Extra bags
Add online before you fly
Power banks
Cabin bag only
Air China's allowance depends on your cabin and route: international and domestic flights follow different rules. Your e-ticket and the Air China app show the exact allowance.
Pro tip: if your trip mixes Air China with Shenzhen Airlines or Shandong Airlines, check the allowance on each flight, because each flight in the booking lists its own allowance.
Travel day
Online Check-in
The four steps below take you from your Air China booking to the gate, whether you depart from PEK or another airport on its network.
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Step 1
Check in online
Use airchina.com to check in for eligible flights. Have your Air China booking reference or e-ticket number and your surname ready.
Booking ref + surname -
Step 2
Prepare your documents
Pack your passport plus any visa, residence permit or entry papers your destination asks for. Domestic CA passengers should bring a photo ID the airline accepts.
Passport · visa · ID -
Step 3
Arrive early
Air China closes its check-in counters before departure, and passengers who miss the cut-off can be refused boarding. Leave room for bag drop and security at PEK.
Check your deadline -
Step 4
Drop your bags
At the airport, take your bags to the Air China bag-drop point. Collect a printed CA boarding pass there if you have not saved one to your phone.
Air China counter
Departing from Beijing?
Terminals, lounges, food and transport at Beijing Capital International, all in one guide.
Save money
Cheap tickets
Ways to pay less for an Air China ticket, from the dates you choose to the fare type you buy.
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01
Try midweek CA flights
If your dates can move, look at CA flights across the whole week. Midweek seats are often cheaper than weekend ones.
Midweek flights -
02
Avoid peak holiday dates
Fares rise around Chinese New Year, the May Day and October Golden Week holidays, when millions travel. Book early or avoid those dates.
School holidays · festivals -
03
Price the bundle, not the base fare
An Air China fare that includes a checked bag, seat choice or cheaper changes can cost less overall than adding those extras later.
Baggage & changes -
04
Don’t leave busy routes late
On busy Air China routes such as PEK to Shanghai, booking several weeks ahead usually leaves more fares to choose from.
Popular routes -
05
Join PhoenixMiles
Membership of PhoenixMiles lets your Air China trips count towards rewards, and members hear about offers first.
Before you fly -
Ready to compare fares?
Search Air China alongside every other airline on your route, with flexible dates.
Search Air China flights
Reviews and questions
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Visitors are asking
CA is the IATA code you see on tickets and departure boards. CCA is the ICAO code used in air traffic control, and pilots use the radio callsign AIR CHINA.
Its main hub is Beijing Capital International (PEK) in Beijing, and its head office is in Shunyi District, Beijing, China.
Yes, Star Alliance, so a single ticket can connect Air China flights from Beijing or Chengdu with flights on other alliance airlines.
Narrow-bodies make up most of the fleet: 225 Airbus A320-family jets and 143 Boeing 737s were in service in January 2026. For long-haul, Air China relies mainly on the Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER and 787-9.
Yes, it is called PhoenixMiles. Add your PhoenixMiles number when you book so the miles are credited after the flight.
Look at your e-ticket or Manage Booking on airchina.com. The figure depends on your CA route, cabin and fare type.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Everything travellers ask before flying Air China.
Last reviewed on 10 October 2026 against airchina.com and published airline records.
General
Air China joined Star Alliance in 2007. PhoenixMiles members can earn and use miles with other Star Alliance airlines, and members of other Star Alliance programmes can usually earn on Air China flights.
Air China's main hubs are Beijing Capital and Beijing Daxing airports and Chengdu Tianfu and Chengdu Shuangliu airports. Shanghai Pudong is a secondary hub. Check which Beijing or Chengdu airport your flight uses.
Depending on the aircraft and route, Air China offers First, Business, Premium Economy and Economy. Many domestic and regional flights have Business and Economy only, so check the cabin options when you book.
Air China's programme is PhoenixMiles. It is also used by group airlines such as Air Macau. Members earn miles on Air China and Star Alliance partner flights and redeem them for award tickets and upgrades.
Yes. Air China had 9 Comac C919s in service, with 99 more on order for delivery through 2031, plus 35 Comac C909 regional jets.
China National Aviation Holding owns 53.46% of Air China, and Cathay Pacific holds a minority stake of about 18%.
Air China is headquartered in Shunyi District, Beijing, China. Its main hub is Beijing Capital International.
The Air China fleet section on this page lists 15 aircraft types.
The Air China baggage allowance depends on your route, cabin and fare. The Baggage allowance section of this guide gives 4 figures, by cabin and route where they differ. Check the allowance printed on your ticket before you pack.
Getting there
You can check in online through the Air China website or app for most flights, or at the airport counter. Check your baggage allowance in your booking before you go, as it depends on route, cabin and fare.
Both. Beijing Capital International (PEK) is Air China's main base, and it also flies from Beijing Daxing (PKX). Check your booking for the airport.
Yes. PhoenixMiles is shared across several Air China subsidiaries, including Shenzhen Airlines and Shandong Airlines.
Air China uses the IATA code CA and the ICAO code CCA. Its radio callsign is AIR CHINA.
Timing & weather
Air China joined Star Alliance in December 2007.
Booking
Air China flies to 200+ destinations. They are listed by region, with fares and route guides where we have them, in the destinations section of this page.
