Air China is the national flag carrier of the People's Republic of China and is headquartered in Beijing. It is one of the "Big Three" state-owned airlines in China, alongside China Southern and China Eastern. Established in 1988, it carries the exclusive status of being the only airline authorized to provide special flight services for Chinese government leaders on official visits abroad. Its tail logo features an artistic "Phoenix" design, which is also a clever arrangement of the word "VIP." As a member of the Star Alliance, Air China operates a massive global network, serving as a primary link between China and the rest of the world. In 2026, it remains the dominant international carrier for the country, boasting a modern fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft, and it holds significant stakes in other regional carriers like Air Macau and Shenzhen Airlines.