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Revision as of 22:04, 18 January 2011

Template:Distinguish2

Air China
中国国际航空公司
Zhōngguó Guójì Hángkōng Gōngsī
File:Air China Logo.svg
IATA ICAO Callsign
CA CCA AIR CHINA
Founded1988
Hubs
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer program
AllianceStar Alliance (2007)
Fleet size262 (passenger)
9 (cargo)
Destinations185
Parent companyChina National Aviation Corporation
HeadquartersBeijing Tianzhu Airport Industrial Zone
Shunyi District, Beijing, People's Republic of China
Key peopleKong Dong, Chairman
Cai Jianjiang, President
Websitehttp://airchina.com

Air China (SEHK: 753, LSE: AIRC, SSE: 601111) (simplified Chinese: 中国国际航空公司; traditional Chinese: 中國國際航空公司; pinyin: Zhōngguó Guójì Hángkōng Gōngsī; lit. 'China International Airlines Company', abbreviated 国航) is one of the major airlines of People's Republic of China based at Beijing Capital International Airport. Air China takes the responsibility of special flight task for Chinese national leaders visiting abroad which demonstrates the exclusive status as the national flag carrier. The enterprise logo of Air China is an artistic Phoenix pattern, the Chinese version of “Air China Limited” written by former national leader Deng Xiaoping, and its English translation “AIR CHINA”. The Phoenix logo is also the artistic transfiguration of the word “VIP”. Air China is a member of Star Alliance.

Air China is world's 10th largest airline by fleet size. The airline carried 46.24 million domestic and international passengers in 2010, a growth of 16% compared with 2009. It is ranked behind its main competitors China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines. However, Air China is the most profitable airline in China and world's largest carrier by market value.[1]

The airline posted a profit of CNY4.85 billion ($711.5 million) in 2009.[2] As of December 14, 2010, Air China was announced by the International Air Transport Association as the world's largest airline by market capitalisation with a worth of $20 billion.[3]

History and development

File:Air China B747-400.jpg
Air China Boeing 747–400

Air China was established on July 1, 1988. Its formation was a result of the government's decision to split the operating divisions of Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) into separate airlines.[4] The CAAC was restructured in late 1987 and divided into six airlines, Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, China Northern, China Southwest, and China Northwest. Air China was given chief responsibility for intercontinental flights and took over the CAAC's long haul aircraft (Boeing 747s, 767s, and 707s) and routes when it was granted autonomy on July 1, 1988.

In January 2001, the CAAC's ten airlines announced they had agreed on a merger plan.[5] Air China was to acquire China Southwest Airlines; before the acquisition, Air China was the country's fourth strongest domestic airline. This was to create a group with assets of ¥n56 billion (HK$ 52.5 billion), including 118 aircraft.[6] On October 28, 2002, Air China consolidated with China National Aviation Corporation and China Southwest Airlines.[citation needed]

On December 15, 2004, Air China was successfully listed on the Hong Kong and London Stock Exchanges. The airline listed its shares also on Shanghai Stock Exchange on August 18, 2006. Air China is currently the world's largest airline by market value.

In 2006, Air China signed an agreement to join the Star Alliance. It became a member of the alliance on December 12, 2007 alongside Shanghai Airlines.

File:Air China B737-800.jpg
Air China Boeing 737–800 Template:Pufc

In July 2009, Air China injected $19.3 million into troubled subsidiary Air Macau, lifting its stake in the carrier from 51% to 80.9%.[7] One month later, Air China spent HK$6.3 billion ($813 million) to raise its stake in Cathay Pacific Airways from 17.5 percent to 29.99 percent, expanding its presence in Hong Kong. The two carriers plan to boost cooperation in the near future.[8]

In April 2010, Air China completed the increase of shareholdings in Shenzhen Airlines Company Limited and became the controlling shareholder of Shenzhen Airlines. A controlling interest in Shenzhen Airlines allows Air China to further enhance its position in Beijing, Chengdu and Shanghai, and achieve an even more balanced domestic network.[9]

December 2, 2010, Air China received Spain's highest tourism industry award, the "Plaque for Tourist Merit". Air China is the first foreign airline to receive the award, which is given to organizations and individuals for contributing to the Spanish tourism industry.[10]

At December 23, 2010, Air China became the first Chinese airline to offer combined tickets that include domestic flights and shuttle bus services to nearby cities. The first combined flight-shuttle bus ticket will connect Tianjin via shuttle bus with domestic flights passing through Beijing.[11]

Destinations

Main article: Air China destinations
File:Air China B777-200.jpg
Air China Boeing 777–200 Template:Pufc

Air China's route network extends throughout Asia to the Middle East, Western Europe, and North America. The majority of the routes operate from its Beijing hub. It currently operates a significant number of Asian, Australian and European destinations from Shanghai Pudong International Airport. It also has some international routes operating and connecting from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport, Dalian Zhoushuizi International Airport, Dubai International Airport, Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, Kunming Wujiaba International Airport, Madrid Barajas Airport, Nanning Wuxu International Airport and Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport. On December 10, 2006, it made its first flight to São Paulo (via Madrid), which became its first South American destination. This was the airline's longest direct flight. The service began with the Boeing 767-300 aircraft but because of its popularity, the service has been upgraded to A330-200. Air China temporarily suspended service to São Paulo in September 2008, which was resumed on December 20, 2009.

Air China will shortly introduce its new A330-300 aircraft to long haul operations beginning with Frankfurt for the winter 2010/11 schedule. These aircraft provide the same two-class cabin standard as the A330-200 except that the economy cabin has no seat-back entertainment system installed (with the exception of the first two economy rows which also have increased legroom). Additionally they differ from the −200 in that they have no flight crew rest facility installed. Air China announced that it would double Vancouver-Beijing frequencies by late 2010 or early 2011. From June 2010, frequencies would rise from 7 to 10, and eventually be raised to 14 by late 2010 or early 2011.[12]

Air China also announced that they are considering a direct flight from Chengdu to Ho Chi Minh City.[13] From 2011, Air China will launch a new Beijing-Düsseldorf service from March 27. This will become the carrier's latest destination and as well as the third German destination in the network. The airline will also launch a new Beijing-Milan service from June 15. This service will compliment the airline's existing Shanghai Pudong-Milan service. Deliveries of the carrier's 19 new Boeing 777-300ER will commence in April 2011 and Air China stated that the type will form the "backbone of it's future longhaul operations". The new Boeing 777-300ER will ultimately replace Boeing 747–400 on US routes such as Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco, but it is expected to enter service firstly to Frankfurt on September 1, 2011. It will double the Beijing-Los Angeles service on the same day. Also, in 2011, Air China will relaunch service from Beijing to Athens with a stopover in Munich from May 11.

Air China has announced that they are to commence a second daily Beijing - Los Angeles service with Boeing 747-400M, while the existing daily Los Angeles service is to be upgraded to Boeing 747-400. The Boeing 777-300ER will replace both services once sufficient numbers enter the fleet. [14]

Codeshare agreements

File:Air China A330-200 Star Alliance.jpg
Air China Airbus A330-200 in Star Alliance liveryTemplate:Pufc

Air China officially joined Star Alliance on December 12, 2007. This move greatly expanded the Alliance's presence in China. With the Alliance's "Under One Roof" initiative, all Star Alliance members have moved their operation to the Terminal 3 of the Beijing Capital International Airport, Air China's main international hub. Air China has codeshare agreements with the following airlines,[15] * indicate as Star Alliance member.

Passenger fleet

As of December 2010, the Air China fleet consists of the following aircraft with an average age of 7.3 years:[19]

Air China Fleet
Aircraft In Service Orders Passengers[20][21] Notes
F C Y Total
Airbus A319-100
33
0
0 8 120 128
Airbus A320-200
13
16
0 8 150 158
Airbus A321-200
27
29
0 12 173 185
Airbus A330-200
16
4
10
0 36
12 		215
271 		251
283 		10 ordered in November 2010
Airbus A330-300
3
17
0 20 259 279
Airbus A340-300
6
0
12 24 255 291 To be phased out
Airbus A350-900
0
10
TBA
10 ordered in November 2010
Boeing 737-300
29
0
0 8 120 128
Boeing 737-700
20
0
0 8 120 128
Boeing 737-800
75
135
0 8 159 167
Boeing 747-400
4
0
10 42 292 344 To be phased out
Boeing 747-400M
6
0
10 24 246 280 To be phased out
Boeing 757-200
11
0
0 8 192 200 To be phased out
Boeing 767-300
4
0
10 26 189 225 To be phased out
Boeing 767-300ER
1
0
0 30 200 230 To be phased out
Boeing 777-200
10
0
0 49 296 345
Boeing 777-300ER
0
19
8 42 263 313 Entry into service: September 2011.
15 ordered in 2007, four more ordered in September 2010[22]
Boeing 787-9
0
15
TBA
Deliveries from late 2015 (order was switched from −8 to −9 August 2010)[23]
Comac C919
0
20
TBA
Total
262
271

Air China has two business jets: one Gulfstream IV and one Bombardier Learjet 45.[citation needed]

Phoenix Miles

Air China lounge (next to the bamboo) at Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport, the airline's main hub

Phoenix Miles (Chinese: 国航知音; pinyin: guó háng zhī yīn, literally "Best friends of Air China"), is the frequent flyer program of Air China. This is the first frequent flyer program launched in China. It was designed to reward frequent flyers traveling internationally and domestically with Air China and its partner airlines.[24]

Members earn mileages for travel on Air China, its affiliated partner airlines and partner airlines. The companion card may be upgraded to VIP status. There are special redemption rates for VIP members – Gold card members and Platinum card Members.

  • Silver card members (Star Alliance Silver): earn 25% mileage bonus on eligible flights.
  • Gold card members (Star Alliance Gold): earn 25% mileage bonus on eligible flights.
  • Platinum card members (Star Alliance Gold): earn 50% mileage bonus on eligible flights.

Cargo

File:Air China B747F.jpg
Air China Boeing 747F

Air China Cargo Co., Ltd. is a cargo airline based in Beijing, China. It is an all-cargo subsidiary of Air China and operates services to 36 cities in 27 countries around the world. Its main base is Beijing Capital International Airport

Air China Cargo Fleet
Aircraft Total Orders
Boeing 747-200F 1 0
Boeing 747-400F 7 0
Tupolev 204-120C 1 4
Total 9 4

Incidents and accidents

See also

References

  1. ^ "Air China: Passenger Throughput Up 16% In 2010", China Hospitality News. January 17, 2011, retrieved on January 17, 2011.
  2. ^ Air China posts record $711.5 million 2009 profit April 26, 2010
  3. ^ World's 5 biggest airlines now from Asia, Latin America December 14, 2010
  4. ^ "Directory: World Airlines". Flight International. 2007-03-27. p. 55.
  5. ^ Ng, Eric, "Air China Set to Announce Lead Bank for Listing," South China Morning Post, Bus. Sec., July 16, 2001, p. 4.
  6. ^ Holland, Tom, "China Break-In," Far Eastern Economic Review, October 25, 2001, p. 41.
  7. ^ Air China increases stake in Air Macau to almost 81%, Air Transport Intelligence news, 12.07.2010
  8. ^ Air China to Raise Cathay Pacific Stake to 29.99% (Update2), By Bloomberg News, August 17, 2009
  9. ^ Air China acquires majority stake in Shenzhen Airlines, Air Transport Intelligence news, 22/03/10
  10. ^ Air China Received Top Tourism Award http://www.antaranews.com/en/print/1291378610
  11. ^ http://beta.antaranews.com/en/news/1293248503/air-china-launches-flight-shuttle-bus-combined-ticket-for-domestic-routes
  12. ^ Lee, Joanne. (2009-12-21) Airlines gear up for more Vancouver-Beijing flights. Canada.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  13. ^ Air China eyes Chengdu-HCMC service. Vietnewsonline.vn. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  14. ^ Air China Expands With Second Daily Nonstop Flight From Los Angeles to Beijing
  15. ^ Partnerships. Airchina.com.cn. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  16. ^ "Ethiopian, Air China move forward on codeshare". 2010-12-18. Retrieved 2010-12-18. {{cite web}}: Text "ATW Online" ignored (help)
  17. ^ Air China, EVA Airways to join hands on code sharing services, ChinaKnowledge, Oct. 29, 2010
  18. ^ Air China International. Br.fly-airchina.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  19. ^ Air China fleet list at planespotters.net
  20. ^ Air China International. Airchina.de. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  21. ^ Air China A330-300. SeatPlans.com. Retrieved on 2010-12-13.
  22. ^ "Reuters: Air China orders four more Boeing 777-300ERs". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. 10 September 2010. Retrieved 10 September 2010.
  23. ^ "Air China switches 15 787-8s order to 787-9s". Flightglobal.com. 1 September 2010. Retrieved 1 September 2010.
  24. ^ "Phoenix Miles Main Page (English)" – about us

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Air China.

Profiles

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