Summary
The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) was established in 1949 as both the regulatory authority for civil aviation in China and the country’s sole airline operator. Its formation coincided with the founding of the People’s Republic of China, as the new government sought to develop and control its air transport network.
Founding and Early Operations
Christian Volpati (GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html> or GFDL 1.2 <http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html>), via Wikimedia Commons
CAAC initially operated a small fleet of Soviet aircraft, such as the Lisunov Li-2 (a licensed version of the Douglas DC-3) and the Ilyushin Il-12, providing domestic services and a limited number of international routes. By the 1960s, CAAC expanded its operations with aircraft like the Ilyushin Il-18 and Il-62, connecting major Chinese cities and establishing routes to neighboring countries, including the Soviet Union and North Korea.
In the 1970s, CAAC began to modernize its fleet with the introduction of Western aircraft, including Boeing 707s and 747s, which enabled the airline to expand its international reach to destinations in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
Peak Operations and Challenges
RuthAS, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
(c) Martyn Cartledge
By the 1980s, CAAC was operating as both an airline and an aviation regulator, overseeing all aspects of China’s air transport. It had grown into a sprawling operation, managing both passenger and cargo services on a vast domestic and international network. However, this dual role created inefficiencies and limited competition in the burgeoning Chinese aviation market.
CAAC’s dominance began to hinder the growth and modernization of China’s aviation sector. Operational inefficiencies, customer dissatisfaction, and an inability to meet the increasing demand for air travel were becoming apparent. Recognizing the need for reform, the Chinese government took steps to restructure the industry.
CAAC Fleet Highlights
CAAC flew an interesting and varied fleet over the years, covering both Western and Soviet aircraft types, as well as some locally-produced aircraft.
One of the Western highlights was a fleet of Hawker Siddeley Trident aircraft. China became the largest customer for the type outside of the UK.
The airline also flew the following types:
- Airbus A310
- Antonov An-2
- Antonov An-12
- Antonov An-24/26/30
- BAe 146-100
- Boeing 707-320B
- Boeing 737-200/300
- Boeing 747-200B/SP
- Boeing 757-200
- Boeing 767-200
- Harbin Y-11/Y-12
- Hawker Siddeley Trident 1E/2E/Super 3B
- Ilyushin Il-12/-14
- Ilyushin Il-18
- Ilyushin Il-62
- Lisunov Li-2
- McDonnell Douglas MD-82
- Mil Mi-8
- Tupolev Tu-154M
- Vickers Viscount
Restructuring and the End of CAAC as an Airline
A CAAC MD-82 at Hong Kong. Photo (c) Aero Icarus
The original uploader was Yaoleilei at English Wikipedia., CC BY-SA 3.0 <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/>, via Wikimedia Commons
In 1988, the Civil Aviation Administration of China decided to relinquish its role as an airline operator to focus solely on regulatory functions. The airline division was split into six regional carriers to encourage competition and improve efficiency.
They were China North Airlines, China Northwest Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines.
These carriers eventually evolved into the major airlines of modern China: Air China, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Hainan Airlines, XiamenAir, and others.
Air China, headquartered in Beijing, was designated as the flag carrier of China.
Legacy
While CAAC no longer operates as an airline, its legacy remains significant. It laid the foundation for China’s modern aviation industry and enabled the rapid expansion of air travel in one of the world’s largest markets.
The restructuring in 1988 marked a turning point, leading to the development of a competitive and diverse airline industry that continues to grow today.
Title image (c) Aero Icarus
Lost Airline Colours of Asia
Learn more about CAAC and other lost airlines from China in Lost Airline Colours of Asia – a stunning full colour book by Martyn Cartledge. See hundreds of former airlines and colour schemes worn by airlines across Asia over years gone by.
