How do I track an AWB number starting with 999?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (999-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Air China Cargo'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 999?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 999?

AWB prefix 999 belongs to Air China Cargo (IATA code CA), based in China (People's Republic of). All air waybills issued by Air China Cargo start with 999-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 999 belongs to Air China Cargo.

Q: Is 999 the only AWB prefix for Air China Cargo?

Yes, 999 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air China Cargo. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Air China Cargo's prefix is 999, so all their air waybills follow the 999-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 999 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Air China Cargo (CA), based in China (People's Republic of). Every air waybill issued by Air China Cargo begins with the digits 999, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 999-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 999, you can be certain it was issued by Air China Cargo or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Air China Cargo operates as a Dedicated Cargo Freighter, 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 999 is exclusively reserved for Air China Cargo and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Air China Cargo's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 999 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number999

Airline

Air China Cargo

IATA CodeCA

ICAO CodeCCA

CountryChina (People's Republic of)

HubMajor International Hub (HUB)

AWB Format999-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeDedicated Cargo Freighter

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 999

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (999) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

999

Airline Prefix
→ Air China Cargo

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

999 always identifies Air China Cargo as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 999-12345678 is a complete, valid Air China Cargo 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 900–999

AWB Prefixes Near 999

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
960	Salam Air	Oman	OV	View
973	JetSMART Chile	Chile	JA	View
984	JetSMART Colombia	Colombia	J6	View
999 You are here	Air China Cargo	China (People's Republic of)	CA	Track
001	American Airlines	United States	AA	View
003	CMA CGM Air Cargo	Global	2C	View
006	Delta Air Lines	United States	DL	View
014	Air Canada	Canada	AC	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 999

What airline has AWB prefix 999? +

AWB prefix 999 belongs to Air China Cargo (IATA code CA, ICAO code CCA), based in China (People's Republic of). All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 999-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Air China Cargo or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 999? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 999-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 999 as Air China Cargo and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 999 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 999 is exclusively assigned to Air China Cargo. 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: 999-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 999 identifies Air China Cargo. 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 China Cargo — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 999. 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 China Cargo's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 999-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 999 the only AWB prefix for Air China Cargo? +

Yes. 999 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Air China Cargo. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 999, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 999, it is guaranteed to be a Air China Cargo shipment.

What if my 999 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 999 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Air China Cargo 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 China Cargo cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.