How do I track an AWB number starting with 285?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (285-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Nepal Airlines'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 285?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 285?

AWB prefix 285 belongs to Nepal Airlines (IATA code RA), based in Global. All air waybills issued by Nepal Airlines start with 285-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 285 belongs to Nepal Airlines.

Q: Is 285 the only AWB prefix for Nepal Airlines?

Yes, 285 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Nepal Airlines. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Nepal Airlines's prefix is 285, so all their air waybills follow the 285-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 285 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Nepal Airlines (RA), based in Global. Every air waybill issued by Nepal Airlines begins with the digits 285, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 285-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 285, you can be certain it was issued by Nepal Airlines or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Nepal Airlines 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 285 is exclusively reserved for Nepal Airlines and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Nepal Airlines's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 285 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number285

Airline

Nepal Airlines

IATA CodeRA

ICAO CodeRAX

CountryGlobal

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format285-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 285

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (285) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

285

Airline Prefix
→ Nepal Airlines

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

285 always identifies Nepal Airlines as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 285-12345678 is a complete, valid Nepal Airlines 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 200–299

AWB Prefixes Near 285

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
276	Braathens Regional Airways	Sweden	TF*	View
277	FlyGabon	Gabon	J7	View
283	Hactl	Hong Kong (SAR), China	HA	View
285 You are here	Nepal Airlines	Global	RA	Track
287	Air North	Global	4N	View
288	Air Hong Kong	Hong Kong (SAR), China	LD	View
291	Air Algerie	Global	AH	View
297	China Airlines	Chinese Taipei	CI	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 285

What airline has AWB prefix 285? +

AWB prefix 285 belongs to Nepal Airlines (IATA code RA, ICAO code RAX), based in Global. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 285-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Nepal Airlines or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 285? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 285-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 285 as Nepal Airlines and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 285 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 285 is exclusively assigned to Nepal Airlines. 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: 285-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 285 identifies Nepal Airlines. 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 Nepal Airlines — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 285. 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 Nepal Airlines's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 285-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 285 the only AWB prefix for Nepal Airlines? +

Yes. 285 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Nepal Airlines. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 285, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 285, it is guaranteed to be a Nepal Airlines shipment.

What if my 285 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 285 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Nepal Airlines 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 Nepal Airlines cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.