How do I track an AWB number starting with 851?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (851-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Hong Kong 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 851?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 851?

AWB prefix 851 belongs to Hong Kong Airlines (IATA code HX), based in Hong Kong (SAR), China. All air waybills issued by Hong Kong Airlines start with 851-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 851 belongs to Hong Kong Airlines.

Q: Is 851 the only AWB prefix for Hong Kong Airlines?

Yes, 851 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Hong Kong Airlines. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Hong Kong Airlines's prefix is 851, so all their air waybills follow the 851-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 851 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Hong Kong Airlines (HX), based in Hong Kong (SAR), China. Every air waybill issued by Hong Kong Airlines begins with the digits 851, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 851-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 851, you can be certain it was issued by Hong Kong Airlines or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Hong Kong 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 851 is exclusively reserved for Hong Kong Airlines and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Hong Kong Airlines's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 851 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number851

Airline

Hong Kong Airlines

IATA CodeHX

ICAO CodeCRK

CountryHong Kong (SAR), China

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format851-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 851

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (851) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

851

Airline Prefix
→ Hong Kong Airlines

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

851 always identifies Hong Kong Airlines as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 851-12345678 is a complete, valid Hong Kong 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 800–899

AWB Prefixes Near 851

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
832	ABX Air	United States	GB	View
838	WestJet	Canada	WS	View
839	Eastar Jet	Korea, Republic of	ZE	View
851 You are here	Hong Kong Airlines	Hong Kong (SAR), China	HX	Track
856	Air Changan	China (People's Republic of)	9H	View
857	EZY Cargo	Global	U2	View
858	Titan Airways	Global	ZT	View
860	YTO International	China (People's Republic of)	HYT	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 851

What airline has AWB prefix 851? +

AWB prefix 851 belongs to Hong Kong Airlines (IATA code HX, ICAO code CRK), based in Hong Kong (SAR), China. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 851-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Hong Kong Airlines or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 851? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 851-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 851 as Hong Kong Airlines and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 851 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 851 is exclusively assigned to Hong Kong 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: 851-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 851 identifies Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Airlines — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 851. 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 Hong Kong Airlines's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 851-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 851 the only AWB prefix for Hong Kong Airlines? +

Yes. 851 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Hong Kong Airlines. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 851, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 851, it is guaranteed to be a Hong Kong Airlines shipment.

What if my 851 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 851 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Hong Kong 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 Hong Kong Airlines cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.