Air China lifts April load factors as traffic outpaces capacity and expands fleet

An update from Air China ( (HK:0753) ) is now available.

Air China reported modest capacity growth but stronger traffic gains in April 2026, with available seat kilometres up 0.5% year on year and revenue passenger kilometres rising 5.8%, lifting the passenger load factor to 85.5%. Domestic capacity was flat while traffic rose 2.7%, international capacity expanded 2.4% with traffic jumping 13.8%, and regional routes saw a capacity decline but traffic growth, indicating improved aircraft utilisation.

Cargo dynamics were mixed as cargo capacity fell 3.6% year on year but cargo and mail traffic grew 4.2%, pushing the cargo load factor to 41.8%. The airline continued to expand and modernise its network and fleet, launching or resuming routes linking Beijing to Hanzhong, Delhi and Frankfurt and taking delivery of six aircraft including a C919, bringing its total fleet to 965 and underscoring a strategy of measured post-pandemic growth and international recovery.

More about Air China

Air China Limited is a major Chinese airline operating a large mixed fleet of narrowbody and widebody aircraft across domestic, international and regional routes. The carrier provides passenger and cargo services and is listed in both Shanghai and Hong Kong, giving it a prominent role in China’s aviation sector and exposure to global travel demand cycles.

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