Air China Cargo tracking

What is Air China Cargo?

Air China Cargo is the freight division of Air China, the national airline of the People's Republic of China. Founded in 2003 to meet the growing demand for goods transportation between China and the rest of the world, this cargo subsidiary has established itself as one of the leading air freight carriers in Asia. Today, it is an essential link in the global logistics chain, transporting considerable volumes of goods between continents each year.

Air China Cargo's headquarters is located in the Shunyi District of Beijing, in close proximity to Beijing Capital International Airport, its main operational hub. This strategic location allows the company to benefit from the infrastructure of one of the world's busiest airports. Air China Cargo stands out as the only cargo airline in China bearing the national flag, which gives it a special status in the freight transport market.

Air China Cargo's shareholding structure reflects the strategic importance of this company for the Chinese logistics sector. Air China holds 51% of the capital, while CITIC Pacific owns 25% and Beijing Capital International Airport 24%. This distribution ensures solid governance and privileged access to the resources and infrastructure needed for cargo operations development. Air China Cargo went public through a listing on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, demonstrating investor confidence in the company's growth potential.

• Date of establishment: 2003, in response to the rise of Chinese international trade
• Parent company: Air China, the national airline of the People's Republic of China
• Headquarters: Shunyi District, Beijing, China
• Main base: Beijing Capital International Airport
• Shareholding: Air China (51%), CITIC Pacific (25%), Beijing Capital International (24%)
• Status: The only Chinese cargo company bearing the national flag

Air China Cargo benefits from over fifty years of air transport history inherited from its parent company. This accumulated experience enables it to offer proven logistics solutions and adapt to the strictest requirements of the global market. The company has participated in the development and formulation of numerous civil air freight standards in China, affirming its leadership role in the sector. Thanks to an experienced, professional, and dedicated team, Air China Cargo offers reliable transport solutions tailored to the specific needs of each customer.

Which countries does Air China Cargo deliver to?

Air China Cargo operates a global network connecting the main economic centers of Asia to European and North American markets. With its fleet of long-haul cargo aircraft, the company regularly serves more than 20 cities across 12 countries worldwide. This international network enables the transport of goods to the most strategic destinations in global trade, facilitating exchanges between China and its trading partners.

Air China Cargo's network is built around three main platforms in mainland China. Beijing Capital International Airport serves as the central hub for belly cargo operations on passenger aircraft. Shanghai Pudong and Chengdu Shuangliu airports serve as the main bases for freighter aircraft, optimizing coverage of Chinese territory and international connections. The company operates cargo aircraft from northern, eastern, southern, and southwestern China, ensuring complete national coverage.

Internationally, Air China Cargo has established a global system of freight depots covering major commercial cities. Facilities are present in Shanghai, Beijing, Taipei, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Los Angeles, New York, and Osaka, ensuring local processing capacity in the most dynamic economic zones. The company has also opened 25 cargo routes to major destinations in Asia-Pacific, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, demonstrating the extent of its geographical coverage.

• Asia: China (all major provinces), Japan (Osaka, Tokyo), South Korea (Seoul), Taiwan (Taipei), Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand
• Europe: Germany (Frankfurt), Netherlands (Amsterdam), and other European capitals via partnerships
• North America: United States (Los Angeles, New York - JFK), Canada
• Middle East: Dubai and other destinations via cooperation agreements
• Oceania: Australia via direct flights or partners

Air China Cargo has launched a freight service operated 100% by Airbus A330F cargo aircraft between Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province, and Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands. This new route illustrates the company's continuous expansion strategy toward European markets. The air network is complemented by more than 1,500 ground transportation routes worldwide, ensuring last-mile delivery to final recipients.

Air China Cargo also expands its capabilities through cooperation agreements with other airlines. These interline partnerships allow cargo transfers to destinations the company does not serve directly. A package can thus transit from an Air China Cargo aircraft to a partner's aircraft to reach its final destination, offering customers truly global coverage. A major collaboration with Cathay Pacific Airways, in the form of a cargo joint venture, particularly strengthens Air China Cargo's presence at the Hong Kong hub and throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

What are Air China Cargo's services and delivery times?

Air China Cargo offers a comprehensive range of air freight services tailored to the different needs of professional shippers. The company has developed a portfolio of specialized solutions grouped under distinct names, each addressing specific requirements in terms of delivery time, nature of goods, or service level. This diversification covers all market needs, from standard shipments to the most urgent or sensitive deliveries.

The generalCare service is the basic offering for transporting standard goods. It is suitable for shipments where a more flexible transit time is acceptable and offers an optimized value for money. Transit times range from a few days to several weeks depending on the distance and necessary connections. This reliable service enables the transport of large volumes to numerous international destinations at competitive rates.

For customers with speed requirements, Air China Cargo offers the expressCare service, a professional solution specially designed for urgent cargo. This priority option guarantees accelerated transport with maximum boarding and booking priority. Freighter aircraft offer automatic space confirmation for shipments up to 500 kg and 3 cubic meters for bookings made more than four hours before departure. Passenger aircraft offer automatic confirmation for shipments up to 200 kg and 1 cubic meter under the same conditions.

• expressCare: Priority service for urgent cargo with automatic space confirmation and optimized processing times
• generalCare: Standard service for general goods with flexible delivery times and competitive rates
• generalCare+: Enhanced version of the standard service with additional options
• freshCare: Transport of perishable products under temperature control
• coolCare: Transport of products requiring cold chain management
• pharmaCare: Solutions dedicated to pharmaceutical and medical products
• secureCare: Secure transport for high-value goods
• dgCare: Handling of dangerous goods in accordance with IATA regulations
• gallopCare: Transport of live animals under appropriate conditions
• tailorCare: Customized solutions for specific needs

Air freight delivery times from China to major international destinations generally range from 3 to 7 days for standard services. From Shanghai, average transit times are 6 to 8 days to Paris, 4 to 6 days to Moscow, 2 to 4 days to Hong Kong, 6 to 8 days to Los Angeles, and 7 to 9 days to Johannesburg. These times can be significantly reduced with priority freight options, saving 3 to 8 days compared to the standard service.

The expressCare service stands out with optimized processing times at every stage. Freight and document acceptance, transfer, and release times are shortened to ensure shipments reach their recipients as quickly as possible. The maximum boarding priority guarantee ensures that shipments are strictly transported according to the booking, minimizing the risk of delays due to capacity issues.

What are the rates and maximum dimensions accepted by Air China Cargo?

Air China Cargo rates are calculated according to standard international air freight principles, taking into account multiple parameters to establish the final cost of each shipment. The company applies pricing based on chargeable weight, which corresponds to the higher of the actual weight of the goods and their volumetric weight. This method fairly reflects cargo space occupancy, whether for heavy and compact shipments or light but bulky goods.

Average air freight rates from China generally range between 4.50 and 7 US dollars per kilogram, with variations depending on routes, airlines, and the level of service chosen. More specifically, current rates range between 4.50 and 6.50 dollars per kilogram depending on the departure airport, total shipment weight, and degree of urgency. High-demand routes, particularly between China and the United States or Europe, generally have slightly higher rates than regional shipments within Asia. Express or urgent services can exceed 10 dollars per kilogram.

• Chargeable weight: The higher of actual weight and volumetric weight (calculated from dimensions)
• Average rate: 4.50 to 7 USD per kilogram depending on destination and service
• Premium routes (China-USA, China-Europe): Rates slightly above average
• Express service: Can exceed 10 USD per kilogram for urgent shipments
• Seasonal variations: Higher prices during Chinese New Year and the Christmas period

Several factors influence the final cost of an Air China Cargo shipment. Beyond weight and dimensions, the nature of the goods plays a determining role. Products requiring special transport conditions, such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, or dangerous goods, incur tariff supplements related to the specific equipment and procedures required. The distance between origin and destination, the type of service chosen, and additional services requested also contribute to price formation.

Additional charges may be added to the base rate. Fuel surcharges, periodically adjusted according to jet fuel prices, represent a significant component. Security fees, handling costs, customs clearance services, freight insurance, and temporary warehouse storage are all items that may impact the final amount. Air China Cargo recommends that customers contact the company directly or its authorized agents to obtain a personalized quote taking into account all the parameters of their shipment.

Regarding maximum accepted dimensions and weights, Air China Cargo can transport large goods thanks to its fleet of wide-body aircraft. The Boeing 777F, which forms the backbone of the cargo fleet, offers a payload capacity of up to 102 tons with a range of 11,100 kilometers. The Boeing 747-400F can transport several dozen tons of goods in a single flight. Acceptable dimensions depend on the aircraft type and loading configuration, with oversized goods subject to specific arrangements through the tailorCare service.

What are Air China Cargo's delivery options?

Air China Cargo offers a structured delivery process that ensures complete handling of goods from origin to final destination. As an air freight carrier, the company primarily operates between airports but also offers integrated solutions to organize first and last-mile ground transportation in collaboration with its logistics partners.

The shipping process begins with booking cargo space on a flight by communicating shipment details to Air China Cargo or an authorized agent. At the departure airport, company teams receive the goods in their dedicated facilities. Each shipment undergoes inspection, securing, and, if necessary, consolidation with other cargo. Security checks and export customs formalities are completed in accordance with applicable regulations.

The cargo is then loaded aboard cargo aircraft to the appropriate transit platform or directly to the final destination airport. During air transport, goods are tracked through Air China Cargo's internal tracking systems. Upon arrival, the company coordinates unloading and transfer to temporary storage facilities. Import and customs clearance procedures are initiated in collaboration with local customs authorities.

• Origin pickup: Possibility to arrange goods collection from the shipper via the ground partner network
• Warehouse reception: Goods handling at Air China Cargo cargo terminals
• Air transport: Routing by the company's fleet to the destination
• Temporary storage: Secure warehousing at destination pending customs clearance
• Final delivery: Ground transport to the recipient can be arranged

After release by customs in the destination country, Air China Cargo can arrange final ground transport to the recipient if the customer has requested it. This door-to-door delivery option simplifies logistics management for shippers by offering a single point of contact for the entire transport chain. The network of more than 1,500 ground routes worldwide enables this final delivery stage.

Customers can track their shipment's progress via Air China Cargo's online tracking system. Notifications are available to inform stakeholders of the main milestones: acceptance, flight departure, arrival at destination, customs clearance, and delivery. This visibility allows anticipation of goods reception and coordination of downstream logistics operations.

What should I do if my Air China Cargo shipment is lost or damaged?

In case of irregularities concerning an Air China Cargo shipment, it is essential to act quickly and follow established procedures to maximize the chances of obtaining a satisfactory resolution. The company has defined protocols for handling claims related to lost, damaged, or delayed goods, in compliance with international conventions governing air transport.

When you notice damage or an anomaly on your cargo upon receipt, the first step is to immediately report the problem to the Air China Cargo service counter or the handling agent's counter at the destination airport. A staff member will assist you in completing a transport irregularity report, an essential document for initiating the claims procedure. This on-site report officially records the condition of the goods at the time of delivery.

• Immediate reporting: Contact the Air China Cargo service counter or handling agent as soon as the problem is noticed
• Irregularity report: Have an official document prepared recording the cargo's condition
• Deadline for damage: Submit written claim within 7 days of receipt for damaged goods
• Deadline for delay: Submit claim within 21 days of receipt for delayed shipments
• Lost goods: If the shipment is not found within 72 hours of declaration, the lost baggage procedure is initiated

Documents required to complete a claim file include the identification used for shipping, the air waybill (AWB), cargo labels, and any supporting documents establishing the value of goods and extent of damage. It is recommended to keep original packaging and photograph any observed damage. Purchase receipts for goods, commercial invoices, and any correspondence with Air China Cargo are useful supporting documents for the compensation claim.

Compensation limits are governed by international conventions and Air China Cargo's general conditions of carriage. For domestic shipments within China, compensation for lost or damaged goods is capped at 100 RMB per kilogram. If the actual value of goods is lower than this amount per kilogram, compensation will be calculated based on actual value. For international shipments, liability limits are defined by the Montreal Convention or applicable rules depending on the countries involved.

For high-value goods, Air China Cargo offers supplementary insurance options to extend coverage beyond the carrier's standard liability limits. This additional protection is particularly recommended for valuable, fragile, or irreplaceable shipments. Conditions and rates for these insurance options are available from the company's commercial services or authorized freight agents.

In case of difficulty obtaining satisfaction, it is advisable to formalize the claim in writing by sending a letter with acknowledgment of receipt to the company's headquarters or local office. Air China customer service can be reached by telephone at 95583 from China, or via international numbers depending on the country (800-882-8122 from the United States). The email address [email protected] can be used to reach European services for shipments concerning that region.

Does Air China Cargo handle international shipments and customs formalities?

Air China Cargo specializes in international freight transport and has extensive expertise in customs formalities. The company assists its customers in managing regulatory aspects related to export from China and import into destination countries, thus facilitating border crossing for goods.

International air freight transport requires rigorous documentation to meet customs administration requirements. Air China Cargo uses the electronic air waybill (e-AWB) which simplifies formalities and reduces administrative delays. This document serves as the transport contract, proof of shipment, and an essential element for customs declarations. The widespread adoption of e-AWB is part of the company's logistics process modernization.

• Air waybill (AWB): Contractual document and proof of shipment, available in electronic version
• Commercial invoice: Transaction details, goods value, and HS customs codes
• Packing list: Detail of contents, weight, and dimensions of each package
• Export declaration form: Required for customs clearance when leaving China
• Certificate of origin: To benefit from tariff advantages under trade agreements
• Export license: Required for certain categories of controlled goods
• China Customs Advanced Manifest (CCAM): Mandatory advance declaration for air freight
• Dangerous goods declaration: For regulated materials according to IATA standards

Export customs formalities from China are managed in coordination with Chinese authorities before goods departure. Air China Cargo ensures that cargo has all necessary authorizations and that declarations comply with regulations. Certain goods are subject to export restrictions or prohibitions, including military, nuclear, and dual-use items under China's 2020 Export Control Law.

Upon arrival in the destination country, goods are subject to local import procedures. The recipient or their customs broker must submit an import declaration to customs authorities and provide required documents. Customs duties, import taxes, and VAT are calculated based on the value of goods and applicable tariff codes. These charges are generally borne by the recipient, unless otherwise agreed between parties.

Air China Cargo can coordinate customs clearance operations at destination through its local partners or offer customs brokerage services to simplify procedures. Customs clearance times vary by country, nature of goods, and documentation compliance. Rigorous preparation of shipping documents minimizes the risk of customs holdups and accelerates goods release.

For shipments to certain countries, specific restrictions may apply. It is recommended to verify import conditions in the destination country beforehand, particularly for food products, items requiring certification, or goods subject to specific sector regulations. Air China Cargo and its agents can advise shippers on requirements applicable to their shipments.

What special services does Air China Cargo offer for sensitive goods?

Air China Cargo has developed a range of specialized services to meet the transport needs of goods requiring particular conditions. Through specialized expertise, adapted equipment, and trained personnel, the company handles non-standard or sensitive cargo in compliance with the strictest safety and quality standards.

The freshCare service ensures the transport of perishable products under temperature control. Food items, cut flowers, seafood, and other quickly perishable goods benefit from a continuous cold chain from origin to destination. Air China Cargo's facilities include refrigerated storage areas at major cargo terminals, maintaining product integrity during transit and handling phases.

The coolCare service meets the requirements of the pharmaceutical and life sciences sector. Medicines, vaccines, biological samples, and other health products requiring strict temperature maintenance are transported under conditions compliant with international regulations. Some Air China Cargo facilities are IATA CEIV Pharma certified, attesting to compliance with good pharmaceutical distribution practices in air transport.

• freshCare: Perishable products and food items under temperature control with continuous cold chain
• coolCare: Pharmaceutical and medical products with maintenance of required thermal conditions, CEIV Pharma certifications
• pharmaCare: Solutions dedicated to laboratories and the pharmaceutical industry with enhanced traceability
• secureCare: High-value goods with enhanced security measures and special monitoring
• dgCare: Dangerous goods in accordance with IATA DGR regulations
• gallopCare: Live animals with approved containers and appropriate welfare conditions
• tailorCare: Customized solutions for non-standard goods or specific needs

The secureCare service meets the transport needs of high-value goods. Advanced electronic equipment, artwork, jewelry, and other precious items benefit from enhanced security measures throughout their transport. Video surveillance, strict access controls, X-ray scanners, and special monitoring ensure protection of these sensitive cargoes against theft or damage risks.

Air China Cargo also transports live animals through its gallopCare service, ensuring their welfare in accordance with IATA international regulations. Approved containers, appropriate ventilation conditions, and compliance with health protocols ensure transport under optimal conditions for animals, whether pets or livestock.

The dgCare service handles dangerous goods such as chemicals, flammable substances, lithium batteries, or corrosive materials. Air China Cargo strictly applies IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Its certified personnel ensure that these shipments are properly classified, packaged, labeled, and documented to guarantee safe transport. In 2018, Air China Cargo became the first Chinese cargo carrier to obtain certification for operating at very high-altitude airports with its Boeing 757-200SF, demonstrating its technical expertise under the most demanding operational conditions.

What is Air China Cargo's fleet?

Air China Cargo operates a modern fleet composed exclusively of cargo aircraft, built around wide-body aircraft recognized for their cargo capacity and reliability. This fleet of 20 freighter aircraft enables the company to fulfill its transport commitments across its entire international network, from regional routes to the longest intercontinental routes.

The Boeing 777F forms the backbone of the cargo fleet with 12 aircraft in service. This latest-generation aircraft offers a payload capacity of up to 102 tons and a range of 11,100 kilometers depending on configuration. Based on the 777-200LR model and equipped with powerful GE90 engines, the 777F combines performance, fuel efficiency, and cargo capacity, making it the ideal aircraft for long-haul routes between Asia and Europe or North America.

The Boeing 747-400F remains in the fleet with 3 aircraft. This iconic four-engine aircraft, recognizable by its characteristic hump, offers exceptional cargo capacity and can transport several dozen tons of goods in a single flight, equivalent to the cargo of many trucks. Its front cargo door facilitates loading of bulky or oversized goods. Although gradually being replaced by more modern aircraft, the 747-400F remains a valuable tool for certain specific missions.

• Boeing 777F: 12 aircraft - Capacity up to 102 tons, range 11,100 km, GE90 engines
• Boeing 747-400F: 3 aircraft - High cargo capacity, front door for bulky goods
• Airbus A330-200P2F: 5 aircraft - Passenger aircraft converted to cargo, suitable for medium-capacity routes
• Total cargo fleet: 20 freighter aircraft

Air China Cargo has also integrated 5 Airbus A330-200P2F into its fleet. These aircraft, converted from passenger aircraft to cargo configuration, complement the offering on medium-capacity routes. P2F (Passenger-to-Freighter) conversion gives passenger aircraft a second life while offering cargo performance suited to market needs.

Fleet modernization is a strategic priority for Air China Cargo. The company has signed a landmark agreement for the acquisition of six Airbus A350F, with an option for four additional aircraft. This order, with a total estimated value of several billion dollars at list price, makes Air China Cargo the first customer for this new-generation cargo aircraft in mainland China.

The Airbus A350F represents the most advanced cargo aircraft available. Capable of transporting up to 111 tons over a distance of 8,700 kilometers, it will be equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines. This aircraft promises a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and CO2 emissions compared to previous-generation aircraft, positioning Air China Cargo in a sustainable transport approach and reducing its environmental footprint.

Understanding tracking statuses

When you track an Air China Cargo shipment online, different statuses may appear reflecting the progress of your goods through the transport stages. Each shipment is assigned a unique tracking number, usually prefixed with the code CA (for example CA123456789), which allows the cargo to be identified and traced throughout its journey. Here are the main statuses and their meanings:

Air China Cargo's tracking system is updated in real time by scans and operational data collected at each transport stage. From acceptance at origin to final delivery, including flight departure and any stopovers, each status change is recorded and made available to shippers and recipients. This transparency allows anticipation of goods reception and quick reaction in case of unforeseen circumstances requiring intervention.