Air China and China Airlines are frequently confused — but they are entirely different companies.
Air China (IATA: CA) is the flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China, headquartered in Beijing with hubs at Beijing Capital and Daxing, part of Star Alliance. Official site: airchina.com.cn.
China Airlines (IATA: CI) is a Taiwanese carrier headquartered in Taipei with its hub at Taoyuan International Airport, a SkyTeam member. Official site: china-airlines.com.
Quick tells: the flight-number prefix (CA vs CI), the hub (Beijing vs Taipei) and the alliance (Star Alliance vs SkyTeam). Check the prefix before booking or heading to a counter.