How do I track an AWB number starting with 053?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (053-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Aer Lingus's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 053?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 053?

AWB prefix 053 belongs to Aer Lingus (IATA code EI), based in Ireland. All air waybills issued by Aer Lingus start with 053-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 053 belongs to Aer Lingus.

Q: Is 053 the only AWB prefix for Aer Lingus?

Yes, 053 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Aer Lingus. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Aer Lingus's prefix is 053, so all their air waybills follow the 053-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 053 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Aer Lingus (EI), based in Ireland. Every air waybill issued by Aer Lingus begins with the digits 053, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 053-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 053, you can be certain it was issued by Aer Lingus or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Aer Lingus operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Dublin Airport (DUB). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 053 is exclusively reserved for Aer Lingus and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Aer Lingus's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 053 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number053

Airline

Aer Lingus

IATA CodeEI

ICAO CodeEIN

CountryIreland

HubDublin Airport (DUB)

AWB Format053-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 053

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (053) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

053

Airline Prefix
→ Aer Lingus

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

053 always identifies Aer Lingus as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 053-12345678 is a complete, valid Aer Lingus airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 000–099

AWB Prefixes Near 053

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
044	Aerolineas Argentinas	Argentina	AR	View
045	LATAM Airlines	Chile	LA	View
047	TAP Portugal	Portugal	TP	View
053 You are here	Aer Lingus	Ireland	EI	Track
055	ITA Airways	Italy	AZ	View
057	Air France Cargo	France	AF	View
061	Air Seychelles	Seychelles	HM	View
063	Aircalin	New Caledonia	SB	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 053

What airline has AWB prefix 053? +

AWB prefix 053 belongs to Aer Lingus (IATA code EI, ICAO code EIN), based in Ireland. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 053-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Aer Lingus or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 053? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 053-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 053 as Aer Lingus and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 053 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 053 is exclusively assigned to Aer Lingus. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 053-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 053 identifies Aer Lingus. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Aer Lingus — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 053. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Aer Lingus's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 053-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 053 the only AWB prefix for Aer Lingus? +

Yes. 053 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Aer Lingus. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 053, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 053, it is guaranteed to be a Aer Lingus shipment.

What if my 053 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 053 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Aer Lingus cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Aer Lingus cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.