In January 2001, the former CAAC's ten airlines agreed on a merger plan, according to which Air China was to acquire China Southwest Airlines. 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. History Early years Air China Boeing 747SP at Zürich Airport in 1992Īir China was established and commenced operations on 1 July 1988 as a result of the Chinese government's decision in late 1987 to split the operating divisions of Civil Aviation Administration of China ( CAAC Airlines) into six separate airlines: Air China, China Eastern, China Southern, China Northern, China Southwest, and China Northwest. The airline joined Star Alliance in 2007. In 2017, the airline carried 102 million domestic and international passengers with an average load factor of 81%. Air China's flight operations are based primarily at Beijing Capital International Airport. Air China's headquarters are in Shunyi District, Beijing. China International Airlines, Company Limited by SharesĪir China Limited ( Chinese: 中国国际航空公司) is the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China and one of the 'Big Three' mainland Chinese airlines (alongside China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines).
