Air China
Air New Zealand operates services between Auckland and Shanghai, and Air China operates services between Auckland and Beijing. Our alliance with Air China means both services can be easily booked through either airline.
Through the alliance, Air New Zealand customers also receive better access to Air China's comprehensive domestic network. For Air China customers the alliance enhances access to Air New Zealand's network, including Australia, Pacific Islands countries and South America, as well as domestic New Zealand flights.
- Major Hub Airports: Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai
- Frequent Flyer Programme: PhoenixMiles
- Type of partnership: Qualifying Partner/Star Alliance
Earning Airpoints Dollars™
As an Airpoints™ member, if you fly on Air China operated flight between Auckland and Beijing, subject to your booking class being eligible, you will earn Airpoints Dollars as per the Air New Zealand tab on our Airpoints Calculator.
All other Air China operated flights, subject to your booking class being eligible, will earn Airpoints Dollars as per the Partner tab on our Airpoints Calculator.
New Zealand-based Airpoints for Business members can earn Airpoints Dollars on Air China operated flights with an NZ flight number between Auckland and Beijing, subject to flying in an eligible booking class.
Earning Status Points
As an Airpoints member, if you fly on an Air China operated flight between Auckland and Beijing, subject to your booking class being eligible, you will earn Status Points as per the Air New Zealand tab on our Airpoints Calculator.
All other Air China operated flights, subject to your booking class being eligible, will earn Status Points as per the Partner tab on our Airpoints Calculator.
Spending Airpoints Dollars
Airpoints members can use their Airpoints Dollars to purchase Air China operated flights between Auckland and Beijing directly through the Air New Zealand website.
Alternatively, Airpoints members can use their Airpoints Dollars to redeem Air China reward flights via our Star Alliance reward flight portal.
Airpoints Elite and Gold benefits
Star Alliance Gold benefits apply for Airpoints Elite and Gold members.
Elite partner benefits
Departing New Zealand:
Elite Partners will receive access to the Air New Zealand Lounge at Auckland International Airport when departing on NZ marketing flight numbers for services to Beijing operated by Air China.
Departing Beijing:
Elite Partners will receive access to the BGS Lounge at Beijing Capital International Airport when departing on NZ marketing flight numbers for services to Auckland operated by Air China.
No other Elite Partner benefits apply on Air China operated flights.
Koru benefits
Koru members travelling between Auckland and Beijing can access our lounges on selected routes when travelling with Air China, please see Koru benefits for more information.
Baggage Allowance
On services operated by Air China to Beijing, carry on baggage rules are different. Economy passengers can only take 1 x 5kg carry on bag and Business passengers can take 2 x 8kg carry on bags.
Checked baggage allowance on Air China operated flights is 2 x 23kg for economy class passengers; Airpoints Gold and Elite are entitled to 1 additional bag up to 23kg. Elite Partner and Koru members are not entitled to additional bags on Air China operated flights.
| Accrual class | Booking class |
|---|---|
| First class | A, F |
| Business class | J, C, D, Z, R |
| Premium economy | G, E* |
| Full economy | Y, B, M |
| Discount economy | U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, P |
Eligible booking classes
First class
A, F
Business class
J, C, D, Z, R
Premium economy
G, E*
Full economy
Y, B, M
Discount economy
U, H, Q, V, W, S, T, L, K, P
*Flights in Air China G and E class will accrue at Full Economy rates.
Booking classes that are not mentioned are not eligible for accrual.
Terms and conditions apply:
Airpoints Dollars and Status Points earn is determined by the Partner Airline which operates the flight. Status Points are only earned on Star Alliance carrier operated flights. Certain booking classes on Partner Airlines are not eligible to earn Airpoints Dollars or Status Points. On a Partner Airline flight, Airpoints Dollars and Status Points may be earned on a flight by flight basis rather than a journey basis. Please note booking class eligibility and earning rates are subject to change without notice and any changes will apply based on the date you travel. This information does not apply to other airline codeshare. Refer to the Airpoints terms and conditions for more information.