Air China has launched Shanghai-San Jose service

Air China launched nonstop 3X-weekly service from Shanghai to San Jose, California Sept. 1, a first for Chinese airlines. The flight is operated by Airbus A330-200. The business-class cabin has 180-degree lie-flat seats, and the aircraft is equipped with a personal entertainment system.

The Beijing-based carrier’s launch of Shanghai-San Jose service expands its airline network in America and grows its global airline network with Shanghai as an international port. In addition, it further optimizes and integrates its airline network layout in east China.

In the summer and fall of 2016, Air China serves 36 destinations in Shanghai, of which 14 are international and regional flights and 22 are domestic.

ATWOnline

Air China starts Chengdu-Sydney flights from 11NOV16

Beijing-based Air China from Nov. 11 will launch 3X-weekly Airbus A330-200 flights between Chengdu, China, and Sydney.

The carrier noted the flights will be the only nonstop service between western China and Australia. The airline currently operates 30 weekly flights between China and Australia, but all of them are out of Beijing or Shanghai.

The carrier also plans to launch daily Shenzhen–Melbourne A330 service by the end of 2016.

Sydney will be Air China’s 14th international destination from Chengdu. The carrier also serves Frankfurt and Paris Charles de Gaulle airports from Chengdu.

ATWOnline

Air China opened reservation for Dreamliner 787-9 flights

Air China in this week’s schedule update has opened reservation for planned new Boeing 787-9 operational routes. Previously reported in mid-July 2016, the Star Alliance member plans to operate the Dreamliner aircraft on Beijing – Auckland and Beijing – Los Angeles CA887/888 service, starting 30OCT16.

Aircraft listing in the inventory display for both service has been adjusted to Boeing 787-9 in this week’s update, replacing previously displayed A330 and 777-300ER, respectively.

Beijing – Auckland
CA783 PEK0025 – 1810AKL 789 D
CA784 AKL2000 – 0450+1PEK 789 D

Service gradually reduces to 4 weekly from 13FEB17.

Beijing – Los Angeles
CA887 PEK1200 – 0800LAX 789 x13
CA987 PEK1500 – 1100LAX 77W D
CA983 PEK2100 – 1700LAX 77W D

CA984 LAX0040 – 0530+1PEK 77W D
CA888 LAX1030 – 1520+1PEK 789 x13
CA988 LAX1320 – 1810+1PEK 77W D

Air China operates 3-class 777-300ER aircraft for Los Angeles service, however it uses the aircraft code “773”. Additionally, the airline has adjusted overall frequencies to 19 weekly, instead of previously planned 21. Additional service reduction to 18 weekly is in effect during the month of November 2016 and March 2017.

AirLive

Air China is interested on 49% stake in LOT Polish Airlines

Air China (CA, Beijing Capital) has expressed an interest in acquiring a 49% stake in LOT Polish Airlines (LO, Warsaw Chopin) local daily Rzeczpospolita has reported citing airline sources.

According to the report, representatives from the Chinese carrier and the Polish treasury department, LOT's owner, will meet later this week to discuss the modalities of a possible buy-in. Earlier this year, the Treasury said it would be willing to accept a privatized LOT so long as it was able to retain control. 

The talks will also centre on Air China's plans to launch its own 4x weekly Beijing Capital-Warsaw Chopin flights later next month.

Cash-strapped LOT has been the target of three previous confirmed partnership attempts including Swissair (SR, Zurich) parent, SAirGroup, which had acquired a 37.5% stake in 1999 only to relinquish the shareholding when it went bankrupt in 2002. Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Atatürk) was next in line to acquire a 20% stake but later abandoned the transaction when demands for control of the airline's board were rejected. In 2015, Wizz Air (W6, Budapest) co-parent, US investment firm Indigo Partners LLC, also came near to investing in the airline only for the deal to collapse on Warsaw's inaction.

LOT has undergone a streamlining and restructuring process over the past four years in a bid to return to profitability. While it posted a net loss of PLN 327.1 million (USD84.9 million) in 2015, it is expected to register a net profit of approximately PLN125 million (USD32.46 million) for 2016.

ch-aviation.com

Air China B738 at Beijing flight CA1661, rejected takeoff due to engine failure

An Air China Boeing 737-800, registration B-2645 performing flight CA-1661 from Beijing to Changchun (China), was accelerating for takeoff when the right hand engine (CFM56) emitted a loud bang followed by strong vibrations prompting the crew to reject takeoff at high speed. While slowing down the crew received an engine fire warning. The aircraft stopped, the crew initiated an emergency evacuation via slides. Arriving emergency services did not

A replacement Boeing 737-800 registration B-6498 reached Changchun with a delay of 4 hours.

The Aviation Herald

Air China A332 at Dubai on Jul 5th 2016, loss of nose wheel steering

An Air China Airbus A330-200, registration B-6130 performing flight CA-941 from Beijing (China) to Dubai (United Arab Emirates), was on approach to Dubai when the crew reported they would not have nose wheel steering and needed to be towed off the runway. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Dubai's runway 30L and was towed off the runway.

The return flight CA-942 to Beijing is currently being delayed.

Incident: Air China A332 at Dubai on Jul 5th 2016, loss of nose wheel steering

Air China A332 near Shanghai on Jun 20th 2016, turbulence injures 17

An Air China Airbus A330-200, registration B-6549 performing flight CA-936 (dep Jun 19th) from Frankfurt/Main (Germany) to Shanghai Pudong (China), was descending towards Shanghai when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence causing injuries to 17 occupants. The aircraft continued for a safe landing on Pudong's runway 17R, the injured were taken to hospitals.

The airline reported the aircraft had just entered the Shanghai area when the aircraft encountered severe turbulence. Passengers who not yet buckled in and cabin crew received injuries, one female passenger received serious injuries, 12 female and 4 male received minor injuries. 5 were still in hospital care the following day. 



Accident: Air China A332 near Shanghai on Jun 20th 2016, turbulence injures 17

Air China Introduces its First Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Air China officially unveiled the airline's first 787-9 Dreamliner to the public at a grand ceremony in Beijing today. The national flag carrier is the first airline in the country to have a 787-9 enter into service.

"The 787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and wide application of composite materials," said Captain Wang Yingnian, chief pilot of Air China. "As such, it enjoys clear advantages such as low fuel consumption, low emission and lower noise, which are highly aligned with the green flying idea that Air China has long been an advocate of."

Air China B773 over Hudson Bay on Jun 4th 2016, engine shut down in flight

An Air China Boeing 777-300, registration B-2046 performing flight CA-818 from Washington Dulles,DC (USA) to Beijing (China) with 291 people on board, was enroute at FL300 over the Hudson Bay about 700nm northnortheast of Winnipeg,MB (Canada) when the crew needed to shut an engine (GE90) down.

The aircraft drifted down to FL190 and diverted to Winnipeg for a safe landing about 2 hours later.

The airline confirmed engine trouble prompted the diversion to Winnipeg, the passengers were taken to hotels to wait for the replacement aircraft that has been dispatched to Winnipeg.


http://flightaware.com/live/flight/CCA818/history/20160604/2035Z/KIAD/ZBAA


Incident: Air China B773 over Hudson Bay on Jun 4th 2016, engine shut down in flight

Air China completes $2bn Boeing 777-300ER order | Breaking Travel News

Boeing and Air China today announced an order for six additional 777-300ER (Extended Range) jetliners.

The order is valued at more than $2 billion at current list prices and bolsters Air China’s long-haul widebody fleet as it looks to expand its international network.

“The 777-300ER has consistently proved its value as a long-haul flagship for our customers around the world, making it the preferred choice for Air China’s international expansion,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, north-east Asia sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

“This order reflects the strength of our decades-long relationship with Air China and we look forward to partnering with Air China on additional opportunities in the future.”

China’s flag carrier continues to modernize its long-haul fleet to replace aging aircraft and plans to expand its growing network internationally.

Air China currently operates a fleet 174 Boeing airplanes, including nearly all current Boeing production models, including the Next-Generation 737, 747-8 Intercontinental as well as 777-300ERs.

With this new order, Air China will increase its unfilled airplane orders with Boeing to 90 units, which includes orders for new 787-9 Dreamliners.

The 777-300ER is one of the most fuel and cost-efficient airplanes in its class as well as the most reliable twin-aisle aircraft in the world.

It also has the highest cargo capability of any passenger airplane in service.

The 777-300ER will receive further improvements in 2016 designed to reduce fuel use by another two per cent.

Air China completes $2bn Boeing 777-300ER order | News | Breaking Travel News

Air China S16 Germany / Greece Service Changes as of 06JAN16 | Airline Route

   

Star Alliance member Air China this week further revised planned operation on Beijing – Frankfurt route for summer 2016 season. Planned Boeing 747-8I operation on CA931/932 remains unchanged, however operational date has been revised to 01JUN16 – 29OCT16. It previously planned to resume 747-8I service from 27MAR16.

CA965 PEK0205 – 0625FRA 77W D
CA931 PEK1400 – 1815FRA 74H D

CA966 FRA1355 – 0515+1PEK 77W D
CA932 FRA2015 – 1125+1PEK 74H D

Additionally, the Star Alliance member is also switching operational aircraft for Beijing – Munich (5 weekly) and Beijing – Munich – Athens (2 weekly) service from 01JUN16, as both routes will receive A330-300 service, instead of -200.

Air China S16 Germany / Greece Service Changes as of 06JAN16 | Airline Route

Fly to Cuba from Montreal for under 300$ with Air China!

MONTREAL | Air China becomes cheap tour operator from Montreal. Three times a week, flights will depart from Beijing on the same day to Havana, Cuba, for as little as $ 150 to $ 300 depending on the site chosen.

This unbeatable promotional begin on 27 December and will offer departures on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays during the winter.
“Air China saw the potential market, since there is no direct flight between Beijing and Havana, far too long. The planes landing in Montreal can therefore leave 2 hours 40 later, with travelers to Cuba and return the next day to catch a flight from Montreal to Beijing, “said the spokesman of Air China, Li Yufu Florian.
In a press release, Air China said that ties between China and Cuba are tightly tightened in recent years and that this destination will enhance economic, trade and cultural cooperation between the two countries, in addition to stimulating the Asian tourism to Cuba .
Air China also wants to offer residents of the Caribbean to borrow the Havana connecting flight, then travel to Beijing from Montreal.

First Chinese
Air China believes that flights to Havana will be used by many Asians who choose to go through Montreal before a sun destination. It calculates that 50% of places are already occupied by Chinese and Cubans who want to visit their families.
The destination to Havana will be by the same device that performs the Beijing- linking Montreal, a Boeing 777-300 with a capacity of 311 seats. Passengers will be entitled to free drinks and meals during the flight, as well as two pieces of luggage of 23 kg at no extra charge, in addition to the carry-on bag.
Air China has signed agreements with some travel agencies specializing in flights to Asia, but will also sell tickets directly from its website.
Comparative price
Return flights for a week (without accommodation package)
– Sunwing, starting December 28, 2015: 825$ (arrival in Varadero)
– WestJet, starting in January:495$ to 816$
– Air Transat departing in January: 578$ to 750$ (arrival in Varadero)
– Cubana Airlines, starting in January: 738$

Aviationgazette.com

Air China NS16 Auckland Operation Changes | Airline Route

                                 

Air China has updated planned operation for Beijing – Auckland for Northern summer 2016 season, effective 27MAR16. During Northern summer, the Star Alliance member will operate this route 4 times a week instead of 7, based on seasonal demand.

Air China launched this route last week (10DEC15), with A330-200 aircraft.

CA783 PEK0040 – 1710AKL 330 x135
CA784 AKL1900 – 0430+1PEK 330 x135

Air China NS16 Auckland Operation Changes | Airline Route

Air China Chengdu – Paris Jan/Feb 2016 Operation Changes | Airline Route

                             

Star Alliance member Air China during the month of January and February 2016 is reducing operations onChengdu – Paris CDG service. From 11JAN16 to 13FEB16 and from 21FEB16 to 27FEB16, CA will be operating this route twice a week, instead of four weekly.

A330-200 aircraft operates this route, which was launched last Saturday (12DEC15).

11JAN16 – 16JAN16 Day 16
20JAN16 – 30JAN16 Day 36
04FEB16 – 06FEB16 Day 46
10FEB16 – 13FEB16 Day 36
21FEB16 – 27FEB16 Day 4

CA457 CTU0130 – 0620CDG 330
CA458 CDG1215 – 0555+1CDG 330

Air China Chengdu – Paris Jan/Feb 2016 Operation Changes | Airline Route

Air China is coming to Cuba | World Airline News

    

Air China (Beijing) will start Beijing – Montreal – Havana service on December 27, 2015 , a southward extension to Havana of the carrier’s Beijing – Montreal service already started on September 29. With the extension, passengers make a short stopover in Montreal and then continue their journey to the “Jewel of the Caribbean ” for its romantic Latin American charms.

The new service will bring the number of destinations in the Americas that Air China serves up to 10, including New York (JFK, Newark ), Washington, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston (Bush Intercontinental), Vancouver, Montreal (Trudeau), Honolulu, Sao Paulo and Havana.

The flights CA879/CA880 Beijing – Montreal are operated three times a week on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. The outbound flight departs from Beijing at 14:00 and arrives in Montreal at 13:40 and Havana at 20:15. The return flight departs from Havana at 09:00, arrives in Montreal at 12:30 and in Beijing at 17:30 the following day. The flights are to be operated with Boeing 777-300 ER aircraft.

Air China is coming to Cuba | World Airline News