About Genghis Khan Airlines
Genghis Khan Airlines is a Chinese regional carrier operating under IATA code 9D and ICAO code NMG, with the callsign TIANJIAO AIR. Headquartered at Hohhot Baita International Airport (HET) in Hohhot, the capital of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region in China, the airline was established in January 2017 by the state-owned Inner Mongolia Aviation Tourism Investment (Group) Co., Ltd. Genghis Khan Airlines holds the distinction of being the world's only airline to operate an all-COMAC ARJ21 fleet, championing domestically manufactured aircraft in the Chinese aviation industry.
The airline received approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) in February 2018 and commenced commercial operations on 26 July 2019 with its inaugural Hohhot to Ulanhot service. Since then, Genghis Khan Airlines has grown steadily, launching 13 destinations and operating 24 routes across Inner Mongolia and neighbouring provinces. By its fifth anniversary in July 2024, the airline had accumulated over 19,500 hours of safe flight time and carried more than 750,000 passengers, establishing itself as a key player in regional connectivity across northern China.
Airline Overview and History
Genghis Khan Airlines was founded to support aviation connectivity across the vast Inner Mongolia region, where ground transportation between cities can take many hours due to the enormous distances involved. Key milestones in the airline's development include:
- January 2017 — Company established by Inner Mongolia Aviation Tourism Investment (Group) Co., Ltd., a wholly state-owned enterprise
- February 2018 — Received official approval from the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) to operate as a commercial airline
- October 2018 — Signed a purchase agreement with COMAC for 25 ARJ21 regional jet aircraft
- February 2019 — Took delivery of its first ARJ21 aircraft (manufacturing serial number 116) at Hohhot Baita International Airport
- June 2019 — Received its second ARJ21 aircraft, bringing the fleet to two planes for the launch of operations
- 26 July 2019 — Commenced commercial operations with its inaugural flight from Hohhot to Ulanhot
- October 2023 — Fleet expanded to six ARJ21 aircraft, with the sixth aircraft featuring a special livery promoting the 14th National Winter Games held in Inner Mongolia in February 2024
- July 2024 — Celebrated five years of commercial operations, having served more than 750,000 passengers across 24 routes
The airline's primary hub at Hohhot Baita International Airport serves as the main gateway for flights connecting cities across Inner Mongolia and beyond. The airline chose the ARJ21 over the competing Embraer E175 after conducting demonstration flights in early 2018, becoming the second commercial operator of the ARJ21 in China and the only airline worldwide to use the type exclusively. Genghis Khan Airlines' mission centres on improving regional air connectivity, supporting tourism development, and driving economic growth across Inner Mongolia.
Fleet and Aircraft
Genghis Khan Airlines operates an exclusive fleet of COMAC ARJ21-700 aircraft, making it the only airline in the world to fly an all-ARJ21 fleet. Key details about the fleet include:
- COMAC ARJ21-700 — A twin-engine regional jet manufactured by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). The ARJ21 is designed to operate on routes of up to 3,700 km with a typical seating capacity of approximately 78 to 90 passengers
- Current fleet size: 6 ARJ21 aircraft in active service as of late 2023, with a total order for 25 aircraft placed with COMAC in October 2018
- Engine type: Powered by General Electric CF34-10A turbofan engines, the same engine family used on the Embraer E-Jet series, ensuring proven reliability and performance
- Special liveries: The airline's sixth ARJ21 features a unique livery designed to promote the 14th National Winter Games held in Inner Mongolia
The ARJ21 aircraft is well suited for regional operations across Inner Mongolia, where airports may have shorter runways and lower passenger volumes compared to major Chinese hubs. COMAC designed the aircraft to handle the challenging weather conditions found in northern China, including cold temperatures and high-altitude operations. The airline maintains its fleet to the highest safety standards in accordance with CAAC regulations and international aviation best practices.
Top Flight Routes
Genghis Khan Airlines operates a domestic route network primarily connecting cities across Inner Mongolia and neighbouring regions in China. The airline's 24 routes serve 13 destinations, with popular services including:
- Hohhot (HET) to Ulanhot (HLH) — The airline's inaugural route, connecting the Inner Mongolian capital with the eastern city of Ulanhot in Hinggan League
- Hohhot (HET) to Tongliao (TGO) — A popular daily service linking Hohhot to the eastern Inner Mongolian city of Tongliao
- Hohhot (HET) to Xilinhot (XIL) — Connecting the capital to the heart of the Xilingol grasslands, popular with tourists
- Tongliao (TGO) to Hailar (HLD) — Linking eastern Inner Mongolia to the gateway city for the Hulunbuir grasslands
- Manzhouli (NZH) to Ulanhot (HLH) — Connecting the border city of Manzhouli with Ulanhot
- Manzhouli (NZH) to Chifeng (CIF) — Linking the Russian-Chinese border city to the historic city of Chifeng
For Malaysian travellers interested in exploring Inner Mongolia and northern China, Traveloka offers convenient flight connections. You can fly from Kuala Lumpur to major Chinese cities and connect onward to Inner Mongolian destinations. Explore these popular routes from Malaysia to China on Traveloka:
For those also exploring other destinations within Malaysia, check out these popular domestic routes on Traveloka:
Baggage Allowance and Policies
Understanding the baggage policy before your trip helps you pack efficiently and avoid additional charges at the airport. Below is a summary of the baggage rules for Genghis Khan Airlines flights.
Cabin Baggage
- Economy Class: One piece of carry-on baggage, maximum 5 kg
- Super Economy Class: Two pieces of carry-on baggage, maximum 5 kg each
- Maximum dimensions: 20 cm x 40 cm x 55 cm
Items exceeding the permitted cabin baggage weight or dimensions will need to be checked in at the counter.
Checked Baggage
- Economy Class: One free piece of checked baggage, maximum 20 kg
- Super Economy Class: One free piece of checked baggage, maximum 30 kg
- Maximum dimensions: 40 cm x 60 cm x 100 cm
- Maximum weight per single piece: 50 kg — luggage heavier than 50 kg cannot be accepted
Passengers who need additional checked baggage allowance can arrange for excess baggage at the airport check-in counter. For oversized or special items such as sports equipment or musical instruments, contact the airline in advance to confirm handling arrangements and any applicable fees.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
Genghis Khan Airlines follows standard CAAC aviation security regulations. Key restrictions include:
- Dangerous goods, flammable materials, explosives, and sharp objects are prohibited in both cabin and checked baggage
- Lithium batteries and power banks must be carried in cabin baggage only
- Liquids in cabin baggage must comply with the 100 ml limit per container, carried in a transparent resealable bag
Check-in Guide
Airport Counter Check-in
Airport counter check-in is available at all departure airports served by Genghis Khan Airlines. Recommended times:
- Counter opens: 90 minutes before scheduled departure
- Counter closes: 30 minutes before departure at smaller regional airports; 45 minutes before departure at larger airports
Airport staff will verify your identity documents, issue your boarding pass, and process your checked baggage. Arriving early is recommended, particularly during peak travel seasons and public holidays in China such as Chinese New Year, National Day Golden Week, and summer school holidays.
Online Check-in
Genghis Khan Airlines offers online check-in through its official website. Online check-in is typically available 24 hours before departure. After completing online check-in, passengers with checked baggage should proceed to the baggage drop counter, while those with cabin baggage only can head directly to the security screening area and departure gate.
Cabin Classes and In-Flight Experience
Economy Class
Genghis Khan Airlines' ARJ21 aircraft are configured with Economy Class seating as the standard cabin. Features include:
- Comfortable seating arranged in a 2-3 configuration across the cabin
- Standard seat pitch suitable for regional flights typically lasting one to three hours
- Window and aisle seat options available
Super Economy Class
Select flights offer a Super Economy Class with enhanced benefits:
- Higher checked baggage allowance of 30 kg compared to 20 kg in Economy
- Two pieces of cabin baggage permitted
- Priority services may be available depending on the route
In-Flight Meals and Beverages
In-flight meal and beverage service depends on the route and flight duration. On longer domestic routes, passengers may receive a complimentary light meal or snack along with beverages. On shorter sectors, a beverage service is typically provided. The airline caters to passengers flying across Inner Mongolia's vast distances, where even domestic flights can take one to two hours.
In-Flight Entertainment
As a regional carrier operating the ARJ21, Genghis Khan Airlines focuses on efficient point-to-point service. Passengers are encouraged to bring personal entertainment devices loaded with content for the flight. The cabin crew provides attentive and professional service throughout the journey, ensuring a comfortable travel experience on every route.
Passenger Policies and Special Services
Travelling with Children and Infants
- Children (2–11 years): Must be accompanied by at least one adult passenger and require their own seat and ticket
- Infants (under 2 years): May travel on an accompanying adult's lap with a reduced infant fare. Only one infant per adult is permitted
- Required documents: Valid identification such as a birth certificate, household registration booklet (hukou), or passport for all child and infant passengers
Pregnant Passengers
- Passengers in early to mid stages of pregnancy can fly without restriction
- Passengers beyond 36 weeks of pregnancy (or 32 weeks for multiple pregnancies) are generally not accepted for travel, in line with CAAC regulations
- A medical fitness-to-fly certificate issued within 72 hours of departure may be required for passengers beyond 32 weeks of pregnancy
Passengers Requiring Special Assistance
Genghis Khan Airlines provides assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, visual or hearing impairments, and other special needs. Available services include:
- Wheelchair assistance from check-in to boarding and upon arrival
- Priority seating arrangements near exits or lavatories as needed
- Trained cabin crew to assist during the flight
Passengers requiring medical equipment on board or other special arrangements should contact the airline at least 48 hours before departure to confirm availability.
Unaccompanied Minors
- Children aged 5–12 years: May be eligible for unaccompanied minor service, subject to route availability and airline approval
- Parents or guardians must complete the required documentation and ensure a designated responsible adult is present at both the departure and arrival airports
Reschedule, Cancellation, and Refund Policy
Rescheduling Flights
To reschedule a Genghis Khan Airlines flight booked through Traveloka:
- Open the Traveloka app or website and navigate to My Booking
- Select the booking you wish to change
- Choose the reschedule option and select a new available flight
- Pay any applicable rescheduling fees or fare differences
Flexible fare types generally allow rescheduling with lower or waived fees, while promotional or discounted fares may have stricter modification conditions.
Cancellations and Refunds
Refund eligibility depends on the fare type purchased:
- Fully refundable fares: Cancel and receive a full refund to your original payment method
- Partially refundable fares: A cancellation fee is deducted from the refund amount
- Non-refundable promotional fares: May be converted into travel credit for future bookings
To request a cancellation or refund, visit your booking details on the Traveloka app or website and follow the guided process. Refund processing typically takes 7 to 30 business days depending on the payment method used.
Why Book Genghis Khan Airlines Flights on Traveloka
Booking Genghis Khan Airlines flights through Traveloka offers several advantages for Malaysian travellers:
- Competitive pricing — Access exclusive deals and promotional fares for flights across Inner Mongolia and China
- Easy comparison — Sort and filter flights by price, departure time, duration, and number of stops
- Flexible payment — Pay with credit or debit cards, bank transfers, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, ShopeePay, or instalment plans
- Instant e-ticket — Receive your booking confirmation immediately via email and the Traveloka app
- 24/7 customer support — Multilingual support team ready to help with any booking enquiries or travel issues
- Seamless booking experience — Book connecting flights from Malaysia to Inner Mongolia in one transaction, with clear itinerary and pricing displayed
- Loyalty rewards — Earn points, enjoy cashback, and access member-exclusive promotions on every booking
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights on Traveloka
Use these strategies to secure the best fares when booking Genghis Khan Airlines flights or connecting flights to Inner Mongolia:
- Book early — Flight prices generally increase as the departure date approaches, so book as far in advance as possible
- Be flexible with dates — Use Traveloka's fare calendar to compare prices across different travel dates and find the most affordable options
- Fly midweek — Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to offer lower fares than weekends or Fridays
- Set Price Alerts — Activate Traveloka's Price Alert feature to receive instant notifications when fares drop on your preferred routes
- Check promotions regularly — Visit the Traveloka promotions page for flash sales, seasonal discounts, and exclusive promo codes
- Travel during off-peak periods — Avoid Chinese public holidays such as Chinese New Year and National Day Golden Week, as well as Malaysian school holidays, for lower fares
- Bundle your trip — Book flights and hotels together on Traveloka for additional savings through package deals
- Choose basic fares — If travelling light with minimal baggage, opt for a basic Economy fare without add-ons to keep costs down
How to Book Flight Tickets on Traveloka
Follow these simple steps to book your Genghis Khan Airlines flight or connecting flights to Inner Mongolia on Traveloka:
- Visit traveloka.com or open the Traveloka app and navigate to the Flights section
- Enter your departure city (such as Kuala Lumpur) and destination, select your travel dates, and specify the number of passengers
- Tap the search button to view all available flights, including connecting options via Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou
- Sort results by price, departure time, or total travel duration and select your preferred itinerary
- Enter passenger details including full name (as shown on passport), date of birth, nationality, and contact information
- Add optional extras such as additional baggage allowance, preferred seat selection, or travel insurance
- Review your complete booking summary including total fare, taxes, and any add-ons
- Choose your preferred payment method — credit or debit card, bank transfer, Touch 'n Go eWallet, Boost, GrabPay, or ShopeePay — and complete the transaction
- Receive your e-ticket instantly via email and the Traveloka app, ready for your journey
Save or screenshot your e-ticket for easy reference at the airport. For connecting flights, ensure you have sufficient transit time between your international arrival and domestic departure in China.