Air China Limited Announces 2009 Annual Results

Record Operating Profit in Complex Market Environment Strengthened Position to Capture Growth Opportunities

HONG KONG, April 23, 2010 - Air China Limited ("Air China" or "the Company," together with its
subsidiaries, collectively "the Group") (HKEx: 00753; LSE: AIRC; SSE: 601111:
ADR OTC: AIRYY), today announced its financial results (1) for the twelve
months ended December 31, 2009 ("the Period").

(Logo: www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080625/CNW017LOGO )

    Results Highlights
    -- Turnover was RMB51.39 billion, a decrease of 2.86% year-over-year
    -- Operating expenses were RMB45.89 billion, a decrease of 26.82% year-
       over-year
    -- Fuel cost was RMB14.47 billion, representing a 36.03% decrease year-
       over-year
    -- Profit attributable to shareholders was RMB4.85 billion, compared with
       net loss(restated) of RMB9.26 billion in 2008
    -- Basic earnings per share was RMB0.41, compared with a basic loss per
       share(restated) of RMB0.78 in 2008

In 2009, China experienced a quicker-than-expected economic recovery,
which underpinned the strong growth of the domestic aviation industry. With
the stabilization of global economy, international aviation markets also
began to recover towards the latter part of the year. Against this backdrop,
the Company was able to capitalize on market opportunities through the
continued execution of its growth strategy and the timely implementation of
strategic measures focusing on hub development, capacity allocation
optimization, stringent cost control and yield management enhancement. These
strategic efforts allowed the Company to achieve a strong recovery in our
operating and financial results with a record high operating profit in 2009.
The Company's net profit attributable to shareholders for the year amounted
to RMB4.85 billion.

Financial Highlights

Turnover

In 2009, the Company's turnover was RMB51.39 billion, a decrease of
2.86%, compared with RMB52.91 billion (restated) in 2008.

Passenger revenue was RMB42.7 billion, a year-over-year decrease of 1.5%
from RMB43.35 billion (restated). Cargo revenue fell 24.9% to RMB5.4 billion,
from RMB7.19 billion in 2008 (restated).

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses decreased by 26.82%, to RMB45.89 billion, from
RMB62.72 billion(restated) in 2008, primarily due to the drop in average jet
fuel prices as compared to 2008.

Driven by the decrease in average jet fuel prices, the Company's fuel
cost dropped by 36.03% year-over-year to RMB14.47 billion in 2009. However,
the suspension of the collection of the domestic jet fuel surcharge in the
first three quarters of the year resulted in a 56.28% decrease in fuel
surcharges.

Gain from Hedging Contract

The upward trend in fuel prices during the year resulted in a decrease in
negative fair value of fuel hedging contracts by the end of the year. During
the Period, the Company realized a fair value gain from hedging contracts of
RMB2.76 billion, yielding a positive contribution to the results for the
Period.

Operating Profit

During the Period, the Company recorded an operating profit of RMB5.5
billion, compared with a loss (restated) of RMB9.81 billion in 2008. The
turnaround in operating profit was mainly due to increased revenue from
growing domestic traffic, and change in fair value of fuel derivative
contract.

Net Profit

Profit attributable to shareholders was RMB4.85 billion, compared with a
loss(restated) of RMB9.26 billion in 2008. The enhancement of profitability
was primarily due to the significant improvement in operating profit, the
increase in investment gain and the decrease in negative fair value from fuel
hedging contracts.

In accordance with the relevant Chinese laws and regulations, the Company
did not have distributable profit for 2009. As a result, no final dividend
will be paid out for 2009.

The Company has separately announced the first quarter of 2010 unaudited
results.

Operational Highlights

Passenger Service

In 2009, the Company carried a total of 41.28 million passengers, an
increase of 14.23% from 36.14 million in 2008. Passenger capacity, measured
by Available Seat Kilometers (ASK), increased by 7.42% to 98.62 billion.
Capacity on domestic routes increased by 18.46%, while capacity on
international and regional routes decreased by 5.51% and 1.22%, respectively.
Overall passenger traffic, measured in Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK)
increased by 9.78% to 75.47 billion. Traffic on domestic routes increased by
19.26%, and traffic on international and regional routes decreased by 1.26%
and 1.24%, respectively. Passenger load factor improved to 76.53%, an
increase of 1.65 percentage points year-over-year. Yield per RPK was RMB0.57,
down by 9.52% year-over-year.

Cargo Services

Despite the significant drop in cargo market demand in the first half of
2009, there was a gradual recovery in demand in the second half of the year.
The recovery in cargo services was achieved by the implementation of a range
of strategic initiatives namely network optimization , improved product and
strengthened yield management, which resulted in the segment achieving a
profit in 2009. Cargo capacity, measured by Available Freight Tonne
Kilometers ("AFTK"), increased by 2.38% to 6.51 billion in 2009. Cargo
traffic, measured by Revenue Freight Tonne Kilometers ("RFTK"), decreased by
2.28% to 3.53 billion. The cargo and mail load factor was 54.23%, a decrease
of 2.58 percentage points.

Hub Strategy

The Company made substantial progress in hub development during the year.
The number of aircraft based in Beijing hub was 150, an increase of 14.
Market share for the hub, measured by RPK, reached to 52.2%. The number of
transfer passengers increased by 34%.

The Company also further strengthened its position in the Chengdu hub and
Shanghai international gateway. The expanded network and service resulted in
a significant improvement in hub connectivity. The number of transfer
passengers at Chengdu and Shanghai increased by 74% and 10% respectively.

Consolidation of Resources

In 2009, the Company executed a number of strategic measures in resources
consolidation. First, it established a Hubei subsidiary that quickly
commenced operation during the year. The Hubei unit allowed the Company to
establish a strong foothold in Central China while providing a platform to
further improve the domestic network. The Company also formed a subsidiary in
Shanghai to consolidate its resources and to enhance its competitive position
in Eastern China.

In addition, the Company increased its holdings in Cathay Pacific Airways
to 29.9%, further developing the foundation for a closer strategic
relationship with Cathay Pacific. Finally, the Company completed the
acquisition of minority ownership of Air China Cargo during the year, paving
the way for formation of the cargo joint venture.

Fleet Optimization and Network

Air China adhered to its prudent policy relating to fleet expansion and
managed its fleet in a proactive and flexible manner. During the year, the
Company added 31 aircraft, all narrow-body aircraft such as models A321 and
B737-800. Meanwhile, the Company phased out 12 aircraft including models
B767, B737-300/600, B747-200F.

In view of the changing traffic demand dynamics in both domestic and
international markets, the Company adjusted capacity deployment accordingly.
A higher portion of capacity was allocated to the domestic market to meet
growing demand while capacity for certain international routes was reduced in
response to softening demand. The allocation of capacity was skewed towards
high-yield and high-return markets with low-yield and heavy-loss making
routes reduced.

As of the end of December, the Company (excluding Air Macau) operated a
fleet of 262 aircraft. The Company's network covers 32 countries and regions,
including 63 international, 90 domestic, and 3 regional cities. 19 routes
were added in response to market demand.

Sales and Marketing Initiatives

In response to the prevailing dynamic market conditions, the Company also
adjusted its sales and marketing strategy to enhance yield performance. The
Company stepped-up sales efforts aimed at frequent flyers and higher-end
travelers, which enabled it to achieve gradual increase in premium class
revenue amid an industry-wide drop in premium class demand. Frequent Flyer
members rose to 11.47 million and contributed sales of RMB9.89 billion, an
increase of 16.2%. Sales from corporate customers increased by 15.7%
year-over-year to RMB4.98 billion while sales from e-commerce reached RMB3.27
billion, an increase of 35.5% year-over-year.

During the year, the Company launched seven express service routes,
including Beijing to Chengdu and Beijing to Chongqing, expanding the service
network and providing more convenient service to travelers.

Cost Control

During the year, Air China maintained its cost advantage in the industry.
A wide range of initiatives were put in place to improve operating
efficiencies and to further reduce costs. These measures included adjustments
in the fleet structure, better alignment of capacity and demand, an extensive
energy saving program and optimization of the Company's debt structure.

Outlook

"2009 was an historic year for Air China as we successfully navigated the
extraordinarily challenging aviation market, emerging with strengthened
operating and management capabilities," Mr. Kong Dong, Chairman of Air China
said.

"Nevertheless, we will undoubtedly face new challenges in the year ahead.
The positive trends in the aviation industry will continue with the support
of the recovering global economy. However, the rapid increase in domestic
capacity and the growing optimism and expanded capacity of international
carriers will further intensify competition in the Chinese aviation market.
In addition, High Speed Rail will begin to impact certain segments of the
market, while fluctuations in oil prices and exchange rates will create
further uncertainties in our operations.

"Despite these challenges, our business is well positioned to benefit
from China's rapid economic growth which will drive the continuous demand for
domestic air traffic. International air travel will also recover with the
global economy. The Company's position will be further enhanced with an
increased interest in Shenzhen Airlines, which perfectly complements our
ongoing strategic hub strategy and will help to further bolster our network
and domestic market position. Our strengthened partnership with Cathay
Pacific and the joint initiatives will also deliver numerous operational
benefits and synergies. We are confident that these initiatives, together
with our enhanced operating capabilities and the support of our united team,
will enable us to deliver a better result for our shareholders," Mr. Dong
concluded.

    (1) All figures are unaudited, stated according to International
        Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS")

About Air China Limited

Air China Limited (Air China) is the national flag carrier of China and a
leading provider of air passenger, air cargo and airline-related services and
products in China. Its operational head office is in Beijing, a major
domestic and international hub in China. It also provides airline-related
services, including aircraft maintenance, ground services in Beijing,
Chengdu, and other locations. As of 31 December, 2009, the Company operated a
fleet of 262 aircraft, serving 156 destinations in 32 countries and regions.
Air China was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the London Stock
Exchange on December 15, 2004 under codes 00753 and AIRC respectively. On
August 18, 2006, Air China was listed on the Shanghai Stock Exchange under
code 601111. For further details, please visit Air China's website:
www.airchina.com.cn .

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains projections and forward-looking statements
that reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events and
financial performance. These views are based on current assumptions which are
subject to various risks and which may change over time. No assurance can be
given that future events will occur that projections will be achieved, or
that the Company's assumptions are correct. Actual results may differ
materially from those projected.

    Contact:

    Air China:
     Rao Xinyu, General Manager of IR
     Air China Limited
     +86-10-6146-2777
     raoxinyu@airchina.com

     Joyce Zhang
     Air China Limited
     +86-10-6146-2560
     joycezhang@airchina.com

    Investor Relations:
     Ruby Yim
     Taylor Rafferty, Hong Kong
     +852-3196-3712
     AirChina@taylor-rafferty.com

     Mahmoud Siddig
     Taylor Rafferty, New York
     +1-212-889-4350
     AirChina@taylor-rafferty.com

Air China: Rao Xinyu, General Manager of IR, Air China Limited, +86-10-6146-2777, or raoxinyu at airchina.com, Joyce Zhang, Air China Limited, +86-10-6146-2560 or joycezhang at airchina.com; Investor Relations: Ruby Yim, Taylor Rafferty, Hong Kong, +852-3196-3712 or AirChina at taylor-rafferty.com; Mahmoud Siddig, Taylor Rafferty, New York, +1-212-889-4350, or AirChina at taylor-rafferty.com