How do I track an AWB number starting with 161?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (161-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Air Astana'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 161?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 161?

AWB prefix 161 belongs to Air Astana (IATA code KC), based in Global. All air waybills issued by Air Astana start with 161-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 161 belongs to Air Astana.

Q: Is 161 the only AWB prefix for Air Astana?

Yes, 161 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air Astana. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Air Astana's prefix is 161, so all their air waybills follow the 161-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 161 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Air Astana (KC), based in Global. Every air waybill issued by Air Astana begins with the digits 161, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 161-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 161, you can be certain it was issued by Air Astana or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Air Astana operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at Major International Hub (HUB). 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 161 is exclusively reserved for Air Astana and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Air Astana's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 161 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number161

Airline

Air Astana

IATA CodeKC

ICAO CodeKCX

CountryGlobal

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format161-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 161

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (161) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

161

Airline Prefix
→ Air Astana

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

161 always identifies Air Astana as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 161-12345678 is a complete, valid Air Astana 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 100–199

AWB Prefixes Near 161

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
155	DHL International Aviation ME	Bahrain	ES	View
157	Qatar Airways Cargo	Qatar	QR	View
160	Cathay Pacific Cargo	Hong Kong (SAR), China	CX	View
161 You are here	Air Astana	Global	KC	Track
163	Biman Bangladesh	Global	BG	View
172	Cargolux Airlines	Luxembourg	CV	View
173	Hawaiian Airlines	United States	HA	View
176	Emirates SkyCargo	United Arab Emirates	EK	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 161

What airline has AWB prefix 161? +

AWB prefix 161 belongs to Air Astana (IATA code KC, ICAO code KCX), based in Global. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 161-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Air Astana or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 161? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 161-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 161 as Air Astana and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 161 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 161 is exclusively assigned to Air Astana. 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: 161-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 161 identifies Air Astana. 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 Air Astana — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 161. 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 Air Astana's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 161-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 161 the only AWB prefix for Air Astana? +

Yes. 161 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air Astana. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 161, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 161, it is guaranteed to be a Air Astana shipment.

What if my 161 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 161 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Air Astana 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 Air Astana cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.