Air China Group: operating expenses 2010-2022

In the decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, the operating expenses of the Air China Group have increased almost continuously, peaking at 126.5 billion yuan in 2018. In 2022, the operating expenses of the Chinese flag carrier were around 92 billion yuan, representing a drop of almost 27 percent compared to 2019.

Passenger growth

The pre-pandemic upward trend in Air China’s revenue could be reflected by the growth in the number of air passengers. In 2020, Air China ranked fourth among the world’s largest airline groups in terms of passenger numbers. Within Air China’s subsidiaries and associates, Shenzhen Airlines transported the largest number of people, reaching nearly 25.5 million in 2020.

Fleet growth

As of 2020, Air China Group had a total fleet of 707 aircraft in service, including 702 passenger aircraft and five business jets. The number of passenger aircraft was expected to reach 761 in 2022. In terms of the passenger aircraft type, the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320/321 had the largest share of the fleet, with 40 percent and 36 percent, respectively. In regard to the passenger aircraft ownership, Air China Group had 292 self-owned, 212 finance-leased, as well as 198 operating-leased passenger aircraft in 2020.