CAAC was formed on November 2, 1949, shortly after the founding of the People's Republic of China, to manage all non-military aviation in the country, as well as provide general and commercial flight service (similar to Aeroflot in the Soviet Union).
CAAC perustettiin 2. marraskuuta 1949, pian Kiinan kansantasavallan perustamisen jälkeen, hallitsemaan maan kaikkea siviili-ilmailua sekä tarjoamaan kaupallisia lentopalveluita (Neuvostoliiton Aeroflotin tapaan).