Air China B747-8 schedule
 

I'm going to be in China in November, and I'm trying to include a B747-8 flight in my travels ...

The only flights I can see are the odd PEK-SHA rotations

Is there anything else scheduled in November?
Or are there any regular substitutions that are worth trying?

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...daa0f56601.png
Air China website

CA's 748 usually make intercontinental rotations. JFK and IAD come to mind.

If you’re planning to fly domestically then the SHA-PEK once daily is your best bet for the 747-8.

thank you for the replies.

I'm looking at doing a B747-8 PEK-SHA flight before a long haul out of SHA ... but the Air China website doesn't seem to facilitate mixed cabin bookings ...

Is there a way to book mixed cabin on the CA website?
Or if I book an economy itinerary online - can I phone up CA and upgrade the B747-8 segment only?

I'm hoping to snag an upstairs seat on the B747-8 !

There are no long haul international flights out of SHA so you’ll have to fly PEK-SHA on the 747 and then take the train to PVG for your long haul flight.

Just buy the tickets separately.

sorry, yes, i'm planning on having the day in Shanghai before flying out of PVG

by booking a through ticket XXX-PEK-SHA;PVG-YYY i'm getting a good price [half the price of booking a stand alone PVG-YYY flight] ...
hence why I'm looking to upgrade the B747-8 sector

I have seen upgrade offers at check in for domestic flights on Air China before. I'm sure there is a way to do it if you're willing to pay.

Worst case, I think they'll let you take a look upstairs during boarding.

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Technically, he's correct because, in addition to being the IATA code for Hongqiao Airport, SHA is also the metro code that encompasses all airports in Shanghai (similar to WAS, NYC, QLA), and I think it's going to cover the new Nantong airport as well.

Air China always have last minute equipment changes on their domestic flights, so be prepared to get your 747 changed to a 777/787/350 or even a 330/320

TMK, the 748 rotations are pretty much set in stone. They shift them around seasonally, but once they're in place, they fly their routes as scheduled. Letting them get out of position causes ripple effects (e.g. 320s/737s can't handle palletized cargo and 777s/330s have other missions).

Not to mention seat assignments.

yes, sadly my B747-8 flight was downgraded to an A330 !

I guess I need to book a flexible ticket, and be prepared to spend a few days waiting for the stars to align !!

https://www.flightradar24.com/data/flights/ca1557

My last 747-8 SHA PEK was swapped to a 777. I was bummed it wasn’t one of their A350’s which have better seats in Biz.

Book 777 flights instead, you may get an equipment swap last minute. At least that was how I got on one.

If you book one of these tickets, they will be in T class and not eligible for upgrade