The aerodynamic characteristics of a lifting body in a nonequilibrium stream are studied for a simple case, namely, the case of a nonequilibrium oncoming stream past a thin airfoil at a small angle of attack. Analytical solutions are obtained by the use of nonequilibrium linearized theory. Results show that when the relaxation length on the indward side of the airfoil is not appreciably different from that on the leeward side, a nonequilibrium ambient condition will normally induce a higher pressure and lower drag, but will not affect the lift, pitching moment, and the center of pressure. The local nonequilibrium condition behind the leading-edge shock, on the other hand, will affect all of the aerodynamic characteristics in general. When the relaxation length on the windward side is significantly different from that on the leeward side, on the other hand, the nonequilibrium ambient condition will also affect the lift, pitching moment, and the center of the pressure. In general, the higher the suction on the leeward side gives higher lift and larger pitching moment because the condition on the leeward side is closer to frozen.