A series of hexaaluminates, La(0.8)A(0.2)MnAl(11)O(19-delta) samples (A = Ba, Ca, Sr and Y) as new catalysts were prepared by carbonate precipitation and calcined at high temperature. The structure and properties of these samples were characterized by XRD, BET and XPS techniques. Upon calcination at 1200 degrees C, the hexaaluminate structure was formed and it retained the specific surface area of 17 similar to 20 m(2)g(-1). The La0.8Ca0.2MnAl11O19-delta catalyst has a surface area of 19.3 m(2) g(-1) and shows a good activity in CH4 combustion.