Air China is the national flag carrier and major airline for the People’s Republic of China, with a global hub at Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK).
The airline was founded in 1988 after the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) was dissolved and split into 6 separate airlines including China Eastern, Southern, Northern, Southwest, and Northwest. In 2007, Air China became the first Chinese airline to become a member of Star Alliance.
Air China operates 6,000 flights every week from Beijing, linking 143 destinations across 30 countries.
• Air China is the personal carrier for China’s President. He travels on a regular 747-400 straight out of Air China’s passenger fleet. 20 days before any state visit the Boeing is converted into a presidential carrier with a bed, bathroom and meeting rooms.
• In 2015, Air China became the first airline to offer flights from Beijing to Havana, Cuba with a short top in Montreal, Canada.
• In 2012, Air China made a commitment to PETA to immediately stop flying primates and other animals for research purposes. This was widely celebrated all over the world as China as a nation is responsible for over 70% of all transport of primates for research.
Frequent Flyer Program
Air China and its regional subsidiaries control a frequent flyer program is called Phoenix Miles which, despite its name, uses kilometres as its currency.
There are three elite status levels: Silver, Gold, and Platinum that are all achieved by earning kilometres:
Silver
40,000 km or 30 segments
• 25% bonus miles
• Priority reservations
• Business lounge access
• One extra checked back up to 20 kg
Gold
80,000 km or 50 segments
• 30% bonus miles
• Priority reservations, boarding and baggage claim
• Business lounge access
• One extra checked back up to 20 kg
Platinum
160,000 km or 90 segments
• 50% bonus miles
• Priority reservations, boarding and baggage claim
• First Class check-in
• First Class lounge access for you and a guest
• One extra checked back up to 20 kg
Codesharing
Air China offers codesharing with 38 airlines both inside and outside the Star Alliance. Look for designator code ‘CA’ for codesharing partners.
When booking with a codesharing partner, you will experience differences in baggage fees, optional services, other charges, and policies from partner airlines on your trip.
Partners Include:
Cabin Classes
Air China offers First Class, Business, and Economy options for international flights. Domestic flight options are restricted to Business and Economy, whilst Premium Economy is only offered on Boeing 777 aircrafts.
First Class
First Class
Spacious, private pod-style lay flat bed seats
Duvet and pillow
Chinese and Western style meal options, wine, spirits and amenity kit including slippers and pyjamas
USB charging outlet, power outlet, and personal LCD monitor with in-flight entertainment
Airport lounge access
Business Class
Lie-flat bed seats with extra room for comfort
Duvet and pillow
Chinese and Western style meal options, wine and amenity kit
USB charging outlet, power outlet, and personal LCD monitor with in-flight entertainment
Airport lounge access
Business Class
Economy
Economy
Chinese and Western style meal options served with hot tea
USB charging outlet, power outlet, and personal LCD monitor with in-flight entertainment
Premium economy gives you a private cabin with extra legroom and comfort