Air China, established on July 1, 1988, is the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China. It is one of the 'Big Three' mainland Chinese airlines, alongside China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines. The airline's headquarters are located in the Shunyi District of Beijing, and its flight operations are centered at Beijing Capital International Airport. In 2017, Air China served approximately 102 million domestic and international passengers. Additionally, the airline became a member of the Star Alliance in 2007.

History

Air China commenced its operations on July 1, 1988, following a decision by the Chinese government in late 1987 to restructure the operating divisions of CAAC airlines. This restructuring led to the formation of Air China, along with several other regional carriers, each responsible for specific routes. Air China primarily focused on intercontinental flights and took over CAAC's long-haul routes.

In January 2001, the ten former CAAC airlines agreed to merge and subsequently acquired China Southwest Airlines. Prior to this merger, Air China was the country's fourth-largest domestic airline. This consolidation resulted in a group with assets totaling 56 billion Yuan. Air China further integrated with China National Aviation Holding and China Southwest Airlines in October 2002.

Air China successfully became publicly listed on the London and Hong Kong stock exchanges on December 15, 2004. The airline signed an agreement to join the Star Alliance in 2006 and officially became a member on December 12, 2007, alongside Shanghai Airlines.

In July 2009, Air China acquired $19.3 million worth of shares from its subsidiary Air Macau, increasing its stake from 51% to 80.9%.

Development since 2010

In April 2010, Air China completed the acquisition of a controlling share in Shenzhen Airlines, making it the controlling shareholder of Shenzhen Airlines. This move also strengthened its position in Beijing, resulting in a more balanced domestic network.

In December 2010, the airline received Spain's highest tourism industry award, the 'Plaque for Tourism Merit,' becoming the first foreign airline to be honored for its contributions to the Spanish tourism industry.

On December 23, 2010, Air China became the first Chinese airline to offer combined tickets, which included domestic flights and shuttle bus services to nearby cities.

On November 15, 2011, the airline introduced free Wi-Fi internet service on board its aircraft, marking a first among Chinese carriers. This service is available on laptops and tablets.

In 2012, following pressure from PETA, Air China announced it would no longer transport monkeys to laboratories.

On July 3, 2013, Air China conducted the first-ever global satellite Internet flight in Mainland China, testing Wireless LAN.

Corporate Affairs

Air China Limited was registered in 2003, and its shares began trading in London and Hong Kong on December 15, 2004. Prior to this, the corporate entity was known as Air China International, founded in 2002 when it incorporated China Southwest Airlines.

The airline's logo features an artistic phoenix pattern, and the company's name is written in calligraphy.

Air China operates a wide range of long-range aircraft on routes to Europe, South America, Africa, Australia, and North America.

The airline also has a secondary hub at Chengdu International Airport, serving domestic routes, and at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, it focuses on international routes.

Destinations

Air China's route network spans across the Middle East, North America, and Western Europe. It connects numerous Asian, European, and Australian destinations from Shanghai. On December 10, 2006, Air China began serving its first South American destination, Sao Paulo-Guarulhos. Regular flights between Mainland China and Taiwan commenced in July 2009.