China Airlines
Template:Short description Template:About Template:Redirect-distinguish Template:Use mdy dates Template:Infobox airline
China Airlines (CAL; Template:Lang-zh) is the state-owned flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is one of Taiwan's two major airlines, along with EVA Air. It is headquartered in Taoyuan International Airport and operates over 1,400 flights weekly – including 91 pure cargo flights – to 102 cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania.<ref name="CFigures">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite report</ref> Carrying nearly 20 million passengers and 5700 tons of cargo in 2017, the carrier was the 33rd largest airline in the world in terms of revenue passenger kilometers and 10th largest in terms of freight revenue ton kilometers.<ref name="Ch2017" />
China Airlines is owned by the China Airlines Group, which is headquartered at CAL Park and also operates China Airlines Cargo, a member of SkyTeam Cargo, which operates a fleet of freighter aircraft and manages its parent airline's cargo-hold capacity. Its sister airlines include Mandarin Airlines, which operates flights to domestic and low-demand regional destinations, and Tigerair Taiwan, which is a low-cost carrier established by China Airlines and Singaporean airline group Tigerair Holdings but is now wholly owned by the China Airlines Group.<ref name="Tig1">Template:Cite web</ref>Template:TOC limit
History
[edit]Formation and early years (1959–1970)
[edit]
With a fleet of two PBY Amphibians, China Airlines was established on December 16, 1959,<ref name="CFigures"/> with its shares completely held by the Republic of China government.Template:Citation needed It was founded by I Fuen,<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> a retired ROC Air Force officer, and initially concentrated on charter flights. During the 1960s, China Airlines was able to establish its first scheduled routes. In October 1962, a flight from Taipei to Hualien became the airline's first domestic service.<ref name=history>Template:Cite web</ref> Later, the airline introduced international flights to South Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.Template:Citation needed With the airline's first two Boeing 707 aircraft, trans-Pacific flights to San Francisco via Tokyo were initiated on February 2, 1970. The expansion of the company's 707 fleet also permitted more services in Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and North America (via Japan and Hawaii).Template:Citation needed
International expansion (1970–1995)
[edit]Following the standard utilization of the wide-body 747 on the highly profitable Trans-Pacific – United States routes, China Airlines introduced its first two 747-100s (ex-Delta Air Lines aircraft) in 1976 and immediately placed them on its Hong Kong-Taipei-Tokyo-Honolulu-Los Angeles route. Shortly thereafter, four brand new Boeing 747SPs (Special Performance) were introduced in 1977. In 1975, three years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, all flights between Taiwan and Japan were suspended, and not resumed until the following year.<ref>Flights resumed, UPI, Beaver County Times, May 12, 1976, page 41</ref> The 747SP aircraft made it possible for China Airlines to fly daily nonstop services from Taipei to its North American destinations without stopping over in Japan. It also allowed the airline to introduce flights to Saudi Arabia and South Africa. In 1979, the airline switched all operations from the smaller Taipei Songshan Airport to the newly built Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport (now Taoyuan International Airport). Following the introduction of 747-200s, the airline introduced its first European destination, Amsterdam.Template:Citation needed
In 1978, with all airlines relocating to Narita International Airport (then New Tokyo International Airport), China Airlines was the sole foreign carrier to use Haneda, which at the time was an exclusive domestic facility; the premise being that air carriers from the PRC and Taiwan were prevented from crossing paths at any Japanese airports.Template:Citation needed EVA Air joined China Airlines later on, although both eventually moved to Narita, with CAL moving on April 18, 2002.
The next 20 years saw sporadic but far-reaching growth for the company. Later, the airline inaugurated its own round-the-world flight: (Taipei-Anchorage-New York-Amsterdam-Dubai-Taipei).Template:Citation needed
On February 8, 1990, China Airlines received the first of its initial five Boeing 747-400s (B-161).Template:Citation needed 1993 saw the airline listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. The new 747-400s and an earlier order with Airbus for over a dozen A300B4 and A300-600Rs wide body regional jets allowed for addition destination growth. During the 1990s, China Airlines also bought the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 and had to compete with a new competitor, EVA Air. They also founded another airline to deal with the PRC-ROC dispute which borrowed aircraft from China Airlines itself.<ref name="ttcal" /> One of China Airlines's 747-400s (B-164) was also used by President Lee Tung-hui during his trip to the United States in June 1995.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Change of logo and livery (1995–2010)
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As the Republic of China (Taiwan)'s flag carrier, China Airlines has been affected by disputes over the political status of Republic of China (Taiwan), is under pressure from the Chinese Communist Party, and was barred from flying into a number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China ("Mainland China"). As a result, in the mid 1990s, China Airlines subsidiary Mandarin Airlines took over some of its Sydney and Vancouver international routes. Starting from October 7, 1995, partly as a way to avoid the international controversy, China Airlines unveiled its "plum blossom" logo,<ref name=history /><ref name="ttcal">Template:Cite news</ref> replacing the national flag which had previously appeared on the tail fins (empennage), and the aircraft livery from the red-white-blue national colours on the fuselage of its aircraft.<ref name="Murphy">Template:Cite news</ref> The plum blossom (Prunus mume) is the Republic of China's National Flower.
Throughout the 1990s, the airline employed many ex-ROC Air Force pilots. Due to the company's poor safety record in the 1990s, China Airlines began to change its pilot recruitment practices and the company began to actively recruit civilian-trained pilots with proven track records. In addition, the company began recruiting university graduates as trainees in its own pilot training program. The company also modified its maintenance and operational procedures. These decisions were instrumental in the company's improved safety record, culminating in the company's recognition by the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
During the 1990s and early 2000s, China Airlines placed orders for various airliners including the Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 737-800, as well as for additional 747-400s (both the passenger and freighter version).
Due to improving cross-strait relations, the first cross-strait charter flights between Taiwan and China were introduced in 2003, with China Airlines' flight 585, operated by a Boeing 747-400, being the first Taiwanese flight to legally land in China.Template:Citation needed (The aircraft took off from Taipei Chiang Kai-Shek (now Taoyuan) Airport, stopped over at Hong Kong Airport, and landed at Shanghai Pudong Airport.) In 2005, the first nonstop cross-strait charter flights were initiated, with China Airlines' flight 581 (Taoyuan Airport to Beijing Capital Airport) being the first flight of the program to depart from Taiwan.Template:Citation needed In 2008, the first regular weekend charter flights between Taiwan and China started operating, with daily charter flights introduced later in the year. In 2009, regularly scheduled cross-strait flights were finally introduced.Template:Citation needed
China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining airline alliance SkyTeam on September 14, 2010<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref> and officially became a full member on September 28, 2011.<ref name="skyteam">Template:Cite news</ref> This was marked by an update to the logo of the airline and the typeface in which "China Airlines" is printed. The carrier was the first Taiwanese airline to join an airline alliance.
2012–present
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Since 2012, China Airlines has participated in the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) Project, led by the Environmental Protection Administration, Ministry of Science and Technology, and National Central University. As part of the collaboration, China Airlines installed "In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS)" on three aircraft: B-18806 (Airbus A340-300) in June 2012, B-18317 (Airbus A330-300) in July 2016, and B-18316 (Airbus A330-300) in July 2017. B-18806 also wore "The Official Airline for Climate Monitoring" special livery. Between July 2012 and September 2017, the PGGM fleet collected greenhouse gases-data from a total of 4682 flights. In May 2017, B-18806 was retired. B-18316 and B-18317 are expected to continue collecting data until 2027.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="PGGM Fleet">Template:Cite news</ref>
In December 2013, China Airlines announced its new joint venture with Singaporean low-cost carrier Tigerair Holdings (now defunct and replaced by Budget Aviation Holdings) to establish Tigerair Taiwan. The new airline flew its inaugural flight to Singapore on September 26, 2014, and became the first, and currently only, Taiwanese low-cost carrier. Tigerair Holdings previously held 10 percent of the shares. As disputes unfolded surrounding the partnership, China Airlines Group re-negotiated with Tigerair Holdings and has now taken full ownership of Tigerair Taiwan.<ref name="Tig1" /><ref name="Tigerair Ownership">Template:Cite web</ref>
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In March 2014, China Airlines announced the "NexGen (Next Generation)" plan to complement its then-upcoming Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 XWB. Designed to refresh the brand image of the carrier, the plan included product innovations, new uniforms, and fleet replacements. Through cooperating with designers from the Greater China region, the carrier hoped to introduce unique product offerings that could showcase the beauty of the Orient and the cultural creativity of Taiwan.<ref name="CUniform">Template:Cite web</ref> The first phase of the plan has been completed. In addition to new cabin designs, also introduced were the renovated Dynasty Lounges at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the debut of new William Chang-designed uniforms.<ref name="CI New Uniforms">Template:Cite web</ref> The new fleet types allowed the retirement of older aircraft; the A340-300 fleet was fully retired in June 2017, while the 747-400 has been fully replaced on long-haul routes. With the First Class-equipped 747s flying regionally and new long-haul aircraft not featuring First Class, China Airlines terminated First Class services in 2016. First Class seats are now sold as Business Class.<ref name="CUniform" /><ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Future phases of the NexGen plan include ordering new aircraft to replace older fleet types. In May 2019, the airline announced that it will be introducing the Airbus A321neo, including 14 leased, 11 purchased, and five options, along with three orders and three options for the Boeing 777F. The A321neo will replace the Boeing 737-800 while the 777F will replace the Boeing 747-400F. Cabin design on the A321neo will continue the NexGen design ethos to provide passenger experience cohesive with that of the 777 and A350.<ref name="A321neo Order">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="77F Order">Template:Cite web</ref>
Focus has also been put on tapping the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market. In January 2015, China Airlines established Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO), an airline MRO company focusing on Boeing 737 and 777, and Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A350 XWB families' fuselage maintenance. For the project, Airbus is providing a wide range of support, one of which is inviting China Airlines to join the Airbus MRO Alliance (AMA), alongside AAR Corp, Aeroman, Sabena technics, Etihad Airways Engineering, and GAMECO.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Moreover, a joint-venture agreement has been signed with Tulsa-based Nordam, specializing in nacelle, thrust reversers, and composite materials, to establish the only Nordam repair center in Asia.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="MRO News">Template:Cite web</ref> The first TAMECO hangar, to be completed in March 2019, will be able to accommodate 2 777/A350 and 3 737/A320 sized aircraft at the same time.<ref name="TAMECO Hangar">Template:Cite web</ref>
Labor-management unrest has been a major issue at China Airlines over recent years. On June 25, 2016, the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union, representing some 2,500 cabin crew, staged the first strike in Taiwanese aviation history. A total of 122 passenger flights were cancelled during the day-long strike.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> During the 2019 Lunar New Year season, over 600 pilots participated in a seven-day strike by the Taoyuan Union of Pilots. Over 200 flights were cancelled between February 8 and 14.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In July 2020, the DPP-led Legislative Yuan passed a resolution for the Ministry of Transportation and Communications to rename the airline and redesign its liveries due to frequent confusion with Air China.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The name change plans were on hold since 2022.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Headquarters
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China Airlines has its headquarters, CAL Park (Template:Lang-zh<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>), on the grounds of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Dayuan District (formerly Dayuan Township), Taoyuan City (formerly Taoyuan County). CAL Park, located at the airport entrance, forms a straight line with Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the future Terminal 3.<ref name="Inaugurates">Template:Cite press release</ref>
Previously China Airlines had its headquarters and facilities on the east side of Taipei Songshan Airport, in the China Airlines Building on Nanjing E. Road, and at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The functions were consolidated following the completion of CAL Park. The Taipei Branch Office of the airline remains at the China Airlines Building in downtown Taipei.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Branding
[edit]Livery and uniforms
[edit]Prior to introducing the current plum blossom livery in 1995, the livery of China Airlines featured the flag of Republic of China (Taiwan) on the tail due to commercial and political reasons.<ref name="Murphy"/> The common practice after the move to Taiwan in 1949 was for related enterprises to have the Taiwanese flag. In the 1990s, the airline management stated to the South China Morning Post that the logo change to the flower was not because of politics. Han Cheung of the Taipei Times wrote that "the change was reportedly made so that the airline could keep flying to Hong Kong after the 1997 handover to China."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2011, the carrier made alterations to its logo as part of refreshing the brand image which were unveiled during the SkyTeam joining ceremony on September 28. A new font was chosen for the company name and a new approach was taken for the appearance of the plum blossom trademark.<ref name="CI Logo Change">Template:Cite news</ref>
China Airlines has had many uniforms since its establishment in 1959. The current uniform was designed by Hong Kong-based costume designer William Chang and introduced in 2015 to celebrate the carrier entering a "NexGen" Next Generation Era.<ref name="CI New Uniforms"/>
Marketing slogans
[edit]China Airlines has used different slogans throughout its operational history. In 2006, the current slogan was introduced to complement the new uniforms and to celebrate its 47th anniversary. China Airlines' slogans have been as follows:
- We treasure every encounter (1987–1995)
- We blossom everyday (1995–2006)
- Journey with a caring smile (2006)
- Expect The Coming Greatness (approximately 2016), a slogan featured on marketing material distributed at the San Francisco Orchid Society's Pacific Orchid Expedition, of which China Airlines was a sponsor. The marketing material also referenced "China Airlines presents newly retrofitted Boeing 747-400."
Name issues
[edit]The name China Airlines reflects Taiwan's official name, the Republic of China.<ref name="moot1">Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> This became an issue during the COVID-19 pandemic when foreign officials and the international press mistakenly identified a number of China Airlines flights repatriating Taiwanese citizens or bringing medical supplies to afflicted countries as related to the People's Republic of China rather than the Republic of China.<ref name="moot1" /> In April 2020, Premier Su Tseng-chang voiced support for changing the name but said that it might come at the cost of the nation's aviation rights. The Premier announced that China Airlines would highlight Taiwan on the fuselage of planes delivering COVID-19 related medical supplies.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Special liveries
[edit]The first China Airlines special livery, the "Taiwan Touch Your Heart" tourism-promotional livery, was introduced in 2003. The project was a collaboration between the carrier and the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan. However, the plane was painted back to the normal livery before it left the hangar.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Currently, China Airlines has a total of 9 special livery aircraft in service.
Planes currently carrying hybrid liveries:
- B-18007 (Boeing 777-300ER) – World's first co-branded Boeing 777<ref name="co-b">Template:Cite web</ref>
- B-18918 (Airbus A350-900) – First aircraft in the world to use an Airbus co-branded livery<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Plane once carrying a hybrid livery:
- B-18210 (Boeing 747-400) – Nicknamed 'Blue Whale'; first aircraft in the world to use Boeing's co-branded livery on the 747-400<ref name="co-b" />
"Flying Ambassador of Taiwan” series
[edit]In 2016, China Airlines announced that the Airbus A350-900 fleet will have a naming theme that combines endemic birds and unique features of Taiwan. The first two A350s were named Mikado pheasant and Taiwan blue magpie by the airline. The names of the remaining 12 aircraft were selected by the Taiwanese public online from a total of 24 choices.
Planes currently part of the series:
- B-18901 (Airbus A350-900) – Named and decorated after Mikado pheasant<ref name="amb">Template:Cite web</ref>
- B-18908 (Airbus A350-900) – Named and decorated after Taiwan blue magpie<ref name="amb"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Skyteam alliance livery
[edit]China Airlines has two aircraft painted in the SkyTeam alliance livery:
- B-18311 (Airbus A330-300) – Previously wore the "Sweet Fruit" livery
Plane once part of the series:
- B-18206 (Boeing 747-400) – First Boeing 747 to wear the SkyTeam livery
- B-18211 (Boeing 747-400)
Pokémon Jet
[edit]China Airlines unveiled the first Pokémon Jet in Taiwan as a part of "Pokémon Air Adventures", a collaboration project with The Pokémon Company.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The aircraft is a Airbus A321neo dubbed "Pikachu Jet CI", in which Pikachu (a popular Pokémon representing the franchise) is prominently featured.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The jet will have Pokémon themed check in tickets, in-flight items, and merchandise.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Planes currently part of the series:
- B-18101 (Airbus A321neo) – Featuring Pikachu (main character), Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, Munna, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Slowpoke and Teddiursa
Historical special liveries
[edit]50th Anniversary series
[edit]In 2009, China Airlines decorated one plane of each of its plane types with the "50th Anniversary" logo. All planes of the series now wear the regular corporate livery or another special livery.
Planes once part of this series:
- B-18208 (Boeing 747-400)
- B-18312 (Airbus A330-300)
- B-18606 (Boeing 737-800)
- B-18725 (Boeing 747-400F)
- B-18806 (Airbus A340-300) – Later wore the "Official Airline for Climate Monitoring" livery until its retirement
Taiwanese culture and creativity series
[edit]In 2013, China Airlines revealed plans to start a series of Taiwan-themed special livery aircraft. The carrier collaborated with Taiwanese artists, cultural workers, and the Tourism Bureau to design the special liveries.<ref name="cul1">Template:Cite web</ref>
Planes once part of this series:
- B-18203 (Boeing 747-400) – "Love & Hug" livery, in collaboration with illustrator Jimmy Liao<ref name="cul1" />
- B-18358 (Airbus A330-300) – "Masalu! Taiwan" livery, in collaboration with Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung and the Council of Indigenous Peoples<ref name="cul1" />
- B-18361 (Airbus A330-300) – "Cloud Gate Dance Theater" livery, in collaboration with Cloud Gate Dance Theater<ref name="cul1" />
60th Anniversary series
[edit]In 2019, China Airlines entered its sixtieth year of operations. As part of the celebrations, the airline announced plans to decorate one aircraft from each of its fleet type with special 60th Anniversary stickers. The logo consisted of the number "60" in China Airlines' corporate colors, blue and red. The design also resembled "GO" and the infinity symbol "∞".<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> All planes of the series now wear the regular corporate livery.
Planes once part of this series:
- B-18917 (Airbus A350-900)
- B-18701 (Boeing 747-400F)
- B-18006 (Boeing 777-300ER)
- B-18317 (Airbus A330-300)
- B-18659 (Boeing 737-800) – Previously painted in "Taichung" livery
- B-18210 (Boeing 747-400) – Previously painted in Boeing co-branded livery
Other retired special liveries
[edit]- B-18209 (Boeing 747-400) – "Taiwan Touch Your Heart" livery, in collaboration with the Tourism Bureau
- B-18305 (Airbus A330-300) – "Butterfly Orchid" livery, in collaboration with the Council of Agriculture
- B-18311 (Airbus A330-300) – "Sweet Fruit" livery, in collaboration with the Council of Agriculture; currently wearing SkyTeam livery
- B-18355 (Airbus A330-300) – "Welcome to Taiwan" livery, in collaboration with the Tourism Bureau
- B-18610 (Boeing 737-800) – "Lavender" livery, commemorating launch of Sapporo flights
- B-18806 (Airbus A340-300) – "The Official Airline for Climate Monitoring" livery for the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) Project; previously painted in "50th Anniversary" livery
- B-18659 (Boeing 737-800) – "Taichung" livery, in collaboration with Taichung World Flora Exposition; leased to its subsidiary Mandarin Airlines until 2019; currently wearing "60th Anniversary" livery
- B-18657 (Boeing 737-800) – "Buddy Bears" livery, in collaboration with Tourism Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government and Kumamoto Prefecture; featuring Taiwanese and Japanese cartoon bears OhBear (Taiwan), Hero (Kaohsiung) and Kumamon (Kumamoto) along with famous landmarks from Kaohsiung and Kumamoto
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"Blue Whale" 747 B-18210 in the hangars
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SkyTeam 747-400 B-18211 landing at Tokyo Narita Airport
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"Taiwan Blue Magpie" A350 B-18908 close-up
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SkyTeam A330 B-18311 taking off from Bangkok
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"Welcome To Taiwan" A330 B-18355 close-up
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"Carbon Fibre" A350 B-18918 taking off at Hong Kong International Airport
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"The Original" B-18851 Airbus A340
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Destinations
[edit]
China Airlines currently operates over 1,400 flights weekly (including pure cargo flights) to 178 airports in 29 countries on 4 continents as of January 31, 2024 (excluding codeshare; brackets indicate future destinations). Japan is the most important market of the carrier, with over 180 flights weekly from multiple points in Taiwan to 14 Japanese destinations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
China Airlines has its largest hub at Taoyuan International Airport, which is the largest airport in Taiwan and is located near the national capital of Taipei. China Airlines operates out of both Terminal 1 and 2 at the airport. Operations to Europe, India, Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia are located at Terminal 1, while those to China, Japan, North America and Oceania are located at Terminal 2. Additionally, China Airlines and its domestic subsidiary Mandarin Airlines operate numerous flights out of Kaohsiung International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport, the downtown airport of Taipei. International flights from Songshan Airport to three Northeast Asian downtown airports, namely Tokyo–Haneda, Seoul–Gimpo, and Shanghai–Hongqiao, have important significance to the carrier, as those routes form a Northeast Asia Golden Flight Circle.<ref>Template:Cite press release</ref>
The expansion of China Airlines international presence has long been limited by the political status of Taiwan. Flights to mainland China were not permitted until 2003, when the carrier's Chinese New Year charter flight 585 from Taipei-Taoyuan to Shanghai–Pudong via Hong Kong made China Airlines the first Taiwanese carrier to legally land in Chinese mainland and the first carrier to legally fly between the two areas after their split during the civil war.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The carrier operated occasional cross-strait charter flights for another few years until 2008, when regular charters flights started. In 2009, a new air service agreement allowed China Airlines to start regularly scheduled flights to the Mainland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Since then, China has quickly become the second-largest market for China Airlines, with over 130 flights to 33 destinations across the Mainland.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In September 2022, China Airlines announced the resumption of flights to Bali, the popular Indonesian tourist destination as the travel industry started recovering from the COVID-19 impact.<ref name="TBS">Template:Cite web</ref>
Route plans
[edit]
Between 2011 and 2015, China Airlines focused on strengthening its regional network; starting 2015 until 2020, the carrier is strengthening and expanding its European, North American, and Oceanian network with the new long-haul fleet.<ref name="Ch2014">Template:Cite web</ref> After upgrading all its European routes to nonstop services, in late 2017, the carrier launched four weekly services to London Gatwick Airport. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, flights to London were routed to Heathrow Airport. Although it was planned to move back to Gatwick in March 2021, but China Airlines opted to remain serving Heathrow as their scheduled London operation.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In France, as China Airlines does not have rights to operate flights to Paris, the airline cooperated with SkyTeam-partner Air France to launch nonstop flights to the French capital on Air France's airplanes in April 2018. China Airlines sells 40% of the seats on the flight.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> In July 2023, a twice-weekly service to Prague was launched.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> In America, daily flights were launched between Taipei and Ontario (California) International Airport in Greater Los Angeles in March 2018.<ref name="Ontario Daily">Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, the carrier has expressed interests in launching European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid and Warsaw;<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> in North America, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Montréal, and Toronto.<ref name=A359Info>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CI Looking at BOS">Template:Cite news</ref><ref name="CI Looking at CDG ORD">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CI Looking at ONT">Template:Cite news</ref>
Regarding its regional network, China Airlines is actively supporting the Taiwanese government's "New Southbound Policy" by increasing flights to destinations in southeast Asia. On the other hand, cross-strait routes are being downsized due to tense cross-strait relations.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Interline agreements
[edit]China Airlines have Interline agreements with the following airline partners:Template:Citation needed
- Emirates<ref>https://www.emirates.com/us/english/travel-partners/</ref>
- Hahn Air<ref>https://www.hahnair.com/en/partner-carriers</ref>
- Singapore Airlines
- Sun Country Airlines<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Codeshare agreements
[edit]China Airlines have Codeshare agreements with the following airline partners:<ref name="CI Codeshare Partners">Template:Cite web</ref><ref name="CAPA China Airlines profile">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Air Europa<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Air France<ref name="CI AF Codeshare">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Bangkok Airways
- British Airways
- China Eastern Airlines
- China Southern Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
- Garuda Indonesia
- Hawaiian Airlines
- ITA Airways
- Japan Airlines
- J-Air<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- KLM
- Korean Air
- Mandarin Airlines Template:Small
- Malaysia Airlines<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Philippine Airlines
- Qantas<ref name="Qantas Codeshare">Template:Cite web</ref>
- Royal Brunei Airlines<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- Scandinavian Airlines
- Shanghai Airlines
- Vietnam Airlines
- WestJet
- XiamenAir
Deutsche Bahn (DB) is the only non-airline codeshare partner of China Airlines. The CI code is placed on seven Frankfurt-initiating DB routes, including those to Cologne, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> Additionally, China Airlines is planning on codesharing with British Airways. Initial agreements have been struck to cooperate from Taipei-Taoyuan to London-Heathrow and beyond<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
Fleet
[edit]Current fleet
[edit]Template:As of, China Airlines operates the following aircraft:<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
| Aircraft | In service | Orders | Passengers | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | W | S | Y | Total | ||||
| Template:Nowrap | 16 | 12 | 12 | — | — | 168 | 180 | Leased 17 and firm ordered 11 with 5 options.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Deliveries from 2021 to 2027.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Replacing Boeing 737-800. |
| Template:Nowrap | 16 | — | 36 | — | — | 277 | 313 | To be retired and replaced by Boeing 787.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> |
| 30 | 307 | |||||||
| Template:Nowrap | 15 | — | 32 | 31 | 36 | 207 | 306 | 1 leased aircraft delivered in January 2024 (with previous operator SAS' cabin configuration).<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Airbus will retrofit cabins of all 15 aircraft with the 1st one to enter service in 2027.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 40 | 32 | — | 228 | 300 | ||||
| Airbus A350-1000 | — | 10 | TBA | Ordered with 5 options on 31 March 2025 as part of a deal initially disclosed on 19 December 2024. Deliveries from 2029.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> To replace Boeing 777-300ER.<ref name="ci77Wreplace">Template:Cite web</ref> | ||||
| Template:Nowrap | 10 | — | 8 | — | — | 150 | 158 | To be retired and replaced by Airbus A321neo.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> |
| 153 | 161 | |||||||
| Template:Nowrap | 10 | — | 40 | 62 | 30 | 226 | 358 | To be retired and replaced by Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9.<ref name="ci77Wreplace" /> |
| Boeing 777-9 | — | 10 | TBA | Ordered with 5 options on 8 May 2025 as part of a deal initially disclosed on 19 December 2024.<ref name=":0">Template:Cite web</ref> Deliveries from 2030.<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref> To replace Boeing 777-300ER.<ref name="ci77Wreplace" /> | ||||
| Template:Nowrap | — | 18 | TBA | Original order for 16 787-9s with 8 options later firmed up. 6 787-9s were converted to 787-10s. Deliveries from 2025 to 2028.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> To replace Airbus A330-300.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | ||||
| Template:Nowrap | — | 6 | TBA | |||||
| China Airlines Cargo fleet | ||||||||
| Template:Nowrap | 8 | — | Cargo | To be retired and replaced by Boeing 777-8F.<ref name="cinxtgenF">Template:Cite news</ref> | ||||
| Template:Nowrap | 10 | — | Cargo | |||||
| Boeing 777-8F | — | 4 | Cargo | Ordered with 4 options on 8 May 2025 as part of a deal initially disclosed on 19 December 2024.<ref name=":0" /> Deliveries from 2030.<ref name=":1" /> To replace Boeing 747-400F.<ref name="cinxtgenF" /> | ||||
| Total | 85 | 60 | ||||||
Former fleet
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Gallery
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China Airlines Airbus A300-B4
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China Airlines Airbus A300-600R
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China Airlines Airbus A340-300
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China Airlines Boeing 707
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China Airlines Boeing 747-200 SF
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China Airlines Boeing 747SP
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China Airlines Boeing 767-200
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China Airlines Boeing 747-400
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China Airlines MD-11
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China Airlines Boeing 737-800
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China Airlines Boeing 747-400F
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A China Airlines A300-600R in older livery. This aircraft was involved in a crash as China Airlines Flight 140 in 1994
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Renewal plans
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In May 2019, China Airlines announced that it will be introducing the Airbus A321neo to replace its Boeing 737-800 fleet. The airline will take delivery of 25 A321neos, including 14 leased and 11 purchased, starting in 2021. The order with Airbus also includes the option for five more of the type.<ref name="A321neo Order"/>
China Airlines also has options for six A350s. Decision to switch the options to firm orders will be based upon the performance of the aircraft on European nonstop routes.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The airline has taken a cautious attitude towards ordering the larger A350-1000 variant due to the large capacity.<ref name="CI A350-1000">Template:Cite web</ref>
Regarding the Airbus A330-300, replacement plans have been underway since 2017.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Previously in 2016, a retrofit program was announced to upgrade the in-flight products on the A330. The plan was suspended indefinitely in favor of ordering and leasing new aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On August 30, 2022, the airline announced its decision to order Boeing 787-9 as the A330-300 replacement. On September 29, 2022, China Airlines made a purchase order for 16 Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> On December 19, 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 10 Boeing 777-9s and 10 Airbus A350-1000s to supplement and renew its long-haul fleet. The Airbus A350-1000 order was finalized on March 31, 2025 with 10 firm orders and 5 options, and the Boeing 777-9 order was finalized on May 8, 2025 with 10 firm orders and 5 options.
Retirement plans
[edit]In June 2017, China Airlines completed the retirement of its entire Airbus A340-300 fleet and all Boeing 747-400 delivered before 2004. It has also phased out most Boeing 737-800 delivered before 2014. The retired A340-300 and Boeing 747-400 are either stored at the aircraft boneyard at Victorville Airport or sold. All stored passenger aircraft are to be sold eventually.<ref name="Ch2014"/><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The last of the newer Boeing 747-400 passenger fleet with the General Electric CF6 engines was retired in March 2021.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Cargo fleet plans
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China Airlines Cargo, the freight division of China Airlines, currently operates a fleet of 21 freighters to 33 destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. The division also utilizes the cargo space on passenger aircraft of the group. In May 2019, China Airlines signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for three orders and three options of the Boeing 777F. The 3 options were later changed to firm orders. The 777F will partially replace the 747-400F fleet.<ref name="77F Order"/> In January 2022, an order for four more 777F aircraft was placed.<ref name="Chua1">Template:Cite web</ref> In August 2022, the airlines said that Airbus A350F and Boeing 777-8F are both candidates for its next-gen freighters replacing the rest of the 747-400F fleet.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> On 19 December 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 4 Boeing 777-8Fs to supplement the existing 777-200F fleet. The order was finalized on May 8, 2025 with 4 firm orders and 4 options.
Services
[edit]Dynasty Flyer
[edit]Dynasty Flyer is China Airlines' frequent flyer program. There are four tiers where three elite tiers are Gold, Emerald, and Paragon. Members can qualify for these elite tiers by earning enough air miles and/or segments within 12 calendar months. Elite members have more privileges such as access to the VIP Lounge, a higher checked baggage allowance, and being able to upgrade their ticket to a different cabin.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Greater China Connection
[edit]In January 2013, SkyTeam-members China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and XiamenAir announced plans to establish Greater China Connection. The partnership ensures that members flying the four airlines can enjoy matched benefits and freely change flights to any Greater China Connection partner flights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Dynasty Lounges
[edit]
China Airlines' airline lounges are branded as "Dynasty Lounge". There are a total of nine China Airlines lounges (including one Mandarin Airlines lounge in Taichung) at seven different airports. Lounge services at other China Airlines destinations are offered by SkyTeam, partner airlines, or local operators. Dynasty Lounge is available to Business Class passengers and Dynasty Flyer Gold, Emerald, and Paragon cardholders. Two-section lounges include an Exclusive Area, for Dynasty Flyer Emerald and Paragon cardholders, and a Business Class Area, for Business Class passengers and Dynasty Flyer Gold cardholders.
Dynasty Lounge features vary by location. Services typically include meals, refreshments, free Wi-Fi access, computers, televisions, publications, shower facilities, and breast-feeding rooms. Sleeping quarters and tea bars are featured at the newly renovated Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 lounge, which was designed by Taiwanese architect Ray Chen.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Location of Dynasty Lounges:<ref>Template:Cite news</ref>
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 (near Gate D4)
- Taipei Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 (previously branded as Dynasty Supreme Lounge)
- Kaohsiung International Airport
- Kuala Lumpur International Airport
- Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport
- Tokyo Narita International Airport Terminal 2
- Honolulu International Airport
- San Francisco International Airport
Skyteam Lounge Hong Kong
[edit]At Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, China Airlines utilises the SkyTeam alliance lounge, in which the carrier, alliance partner China Eastern Airlines, and Plaza Premium Lounge lead the designing, management, and operations. The 1,038 square meters lounge is located near Gate 5 and provides a total of 230 seats.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Private bus services in the United States
[edit]In the United States, China Airlines operates private bus services in selected cities to transport customers between their residing location and the airport.<ref name="TaipeiTimesBUs">Template:Cite news</ref>
In Greater New York, the airline operates a bus to John F. Kennedy International Airport from Fort Lee, Parsippany-Troy Hills, and Edison in northern New Jersey, and several points in Greater Philadelphia, including Cherry Hill, New Jersey, North Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia. In Los Angeles, a bus transports customers between Los Angeles International Airport, Monterey Park and Rowland Heights.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Previously, the airline operated buses for travelers in San Francisco, Houston and Abu Dhabi.<ref name="TaipeiTimesBUs"/> The San Francisco buses transported customers to and from Milpitas and Cupertino.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> The Houston bus service served Sugar Land and Southwest Houston Chinatown.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Subsidiaries and associates
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China Airlines has diversified into related industries and sectors, including ground handling, aviation engineering, and inflight catering.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
In 2022, China Airlines opened a major MRO facility at Taoyuan International Airport in a joint venture with Nordam.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
Companies with a major China Airlines Group stake include:<ref name="CFigures"/>
| Company | Type | Principal activities | Incorporated in | Group's equity shareholding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cal-Asia Investment Inc. | Subsidiary | Holding company | British Virgin Islands | 100% |
| CAL Park | Subsidiary | Headquarters | Taiwan | 100% |
| China Aircraft Services Limited<ref>Template:Cite web</ref> | Joint Venture | Maintenance Company | Hong Kong | 20% |
| China Pacific Catering Services Limited | Subsidiary | Catering services | Taiwan | 51% |
| China Pacific Laundry Services Limited | Subsidiary | Laundry | Taiwan | 55% |
| Dynasty Holidays | Subsidiary | Travel agency | Taiwan | 51% |
| Global Sky Express Limited | Joint Venture | Cargo loading | Taiwan | 25% |
| Hwa Hsia Company Limited | Subsidiary | Laundry | Taiwan | 100% |
| Mandarin Airlines | Subsidiary | Regional airline | Taiwan | 93.99% |
| Taiwan Air Cargo Terminals Limited | Subsidiary | Cargo loading | Taiwan | 54% |
| Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO) | Subsidiary | MRO company | Taiwan | 100% |
| Taoyuan International Airport Services Limited | Subsidiary | Ground handling | Taiwan | 49% |
| Tigerair Taiwan | Subsidiary | Low-cost carrier | Taiwan | 100%<ref>Chen, Ted. "Tigerair Taiwan Returned to Profit Last Month: CAL." Tigerair Taiwan Returned to Profit Last Month: CAL Taipei Times, February 16, 2017. Web. March 16, 2017</ref> |
Incidents and accidents
[edit]Between 1994 and 2002, China Airlines suffered four fatal accidents,<ref name="wsj-safety">Template:Cite news</ref> three of which each resulted in more than 200 deaths. The accidents contributed to the perception of the airline having a poor reputation for safety.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> Since then, the airline's safety record has seen an improvement. In 2007, in an article published after the explosion of Flight 120, The Wall Street Journal quoted analysts as saying the airline has had "a marked improvement in safety and operational performance since 2002", with the mid-air disintegration of Flight 611 being "a catalyst for an overhaul" in its safety practices.<ref name="wsj-safety" />
1969
[edit]- January 2: Flight 227, operated by a Douglas C-47A (B-309), struck the side of Template:Ill (Template:Lang-zh, elevation 3090 m), Taiwan after encountering turbulence and a downdraft. The aircraft was operating a domestic scheduled passenger flight from Taitung Airport to Kaohsiung International Airport. All 24 passengers and crew were killed.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
1970s
[edit]- August 12, 1970: Flight 206, operated by a NAMC YS-11A (B-156), struck a ridge in thick fog while on approach to Taipei, killing 14 of 31 on board.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- November 20, 1971: Flight 825, operated by a Sud Aviation Caravelle III (B-1852), blew up after a bomb on board exploded, causing the deaths of 25 people over the Penghu Islands.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- March 26, 1975: Douglas C-47A (B-1553) crashed at Kompong Som following a mid-air collision with a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog.<ref name=ASN240375>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- March 9, 1978: China Airlines Flight 831, operated by a Boeing 737 (B-1870) was hijacked at Hong Kong, the aircraft landed safely at Kai Tak Airport where the hijacker was killed, the aircraft was also later involved in China Airlines Flight 2265.
- September 11, 1979: Boeing 707-320C (B-1834), crashed shortly after take-off from Chiang Kai-shek International Airport during a training flight, killing all six crew on board.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
1980s
[edit]- February 7, 1980: China Airlines Flight 009, operated by a Boeing 747-200B (B-1866), suffered a tailstrike while landing at Kai Tak Airport. The plane was ferried unpressurized back to Taiwan to be repaired on the same day. The aircraft involved in the incident would later suffer a mid-air breakup in 2002 while flying as China Airlines Flight 611.Template:Citation needed
- February 27, 1980: China Airlines Flight 811, operated by a Boeing 707-309C (B-1826), crashed short of the runway at Manila International Airport, killing two of 135 on board.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref> The same route with the same flight number was the scene of an assassination of a Filipino politician three years later.
- August 21, 1983: China Airlines Flight 811, operated by a Boeing 767-200 (B-1836)<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> from Taipei, landed in Manila International Airport. A passenger on board the flight, Philippine opposition senator Benigno Aquino Jr., was returning from a self-imposed exile in the United States, only to be assassinated after being escorted from the aircraft.
- February 19, 1985: Flight 006, operated by a Boeing 747SP (N4522V), performed an uncontrolled descent over the Pacific Ocean, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- February 16, 1986: Flight 2265, operated by a Boeing 737-200 (B-1870), crashed Template:Cvt off Magong, Penghu, killing 13. During landing, a nose-wheel tire blew. The crew performed a go-around during which the aircraft crashed; the wreckage was located on March 10 in 190 feet of water.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- May 3, 1986: Flight 334, operated by a Boeing 747-200F (B-198), was hijacked by its pilot, who landed the aircraft in Guangzhou, where he defected. The ROC government sent a delegation to discuss with their mainland counterpart regarding the return of the aircraft and two remaining crew. The same aircraft crashed in 1991.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- October 26, 1989: Flight 204, operated by a Boeing 737-200 (B-180), struck a mountain near Hualien, Taiwan after the crew used the climb out procedure for a different runway, causing the aircraft to make a wrong turn. All 54 passengers and crew aboard were killed.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
1990s
[edit]- December 29, 1991: Flight 358, operated by a Boeing 747-200F (B-198, the same aircraft that was involved in the Flight 334 hijacking), hit a hillside near Wanli, Taiwan after separation of its No. 3 & 4 engines, killing all five crew on board.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- December 7, 1992: Flight 012, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (B-150, which then crashed as Flight 642), suffered altitude loss due to turbulence at 33,000 feet near the town of Kushimoto, Japan. The aircraft recovered from the fall and continued to Anchorage, landing there uneventfully despite the loss of its control elevators, which had been ripped off during the incident.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
- November 4, 1993: Flight 605, operated by a recently delivered Boeing 747-400 (B-165), overran Kai Tak Airport runway 13 while landing during a typhoon. It had touched down more than 2/3 down the runway and was unable to stop before the end of the runway, ending up in the Victoria Harbour. All 396 people on board were safely evacuated but the aircraft was written off. The vertical stabilizer was explosively removed to prevent interference with Kai Tak's Instrument Landing System (ILS).<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- April 26, 1994: Flight 140, operated by an Airbus A300 (B-1816), crashed while landing at Nagoya, Japan due to crew error, killing 264 of 271 on board.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- February 16, 1998: Flight 676, an Airbus A300 crashed in a residential neighborhood in Taipei, Taiwan after requesting a go-around, killing all 196 people on board and six on the ground.
- August 22, 1999: Flight 642, operated by a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 (B-150), flipped over while attempting to land at Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) during a typhoon. Three people were killed.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
2000s
[edit]- May 25, 2002: Flight 611, operated by a Boeing 747-200B (B-18255), broke apart in mid-air on the way to Chek Lap Kok International Airport in Hong Kong from Chiang Kai-shek International Airport in Taiwan. All 206 passengers and 19 crew members died. The aircraft was the last B747-200 in the airline's passenger fleet, which was to be sold to Orient Thai Airlines after its return flight from Hong Kong. The cause was improper repair after a 1980 tail-strike incident in Hong Kong's Kai Tak Airport.<ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
- August 20, 2007: Flight 120, operated by a Boeing 737-800 (B-18616) inbound from Taipei, caught fire shortly after landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. After stopping on the runway, the engine started smoking and burning, later exploding and causing the aircraft to catch fire.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> All passengers and crew were evacuated without serious injury; a ground engineer knocked over by the blast was unhurt.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref> The cause of the fire was attributed to a fuel tank puncture from a loose right wing slat bolt.<ref>Template:Cite news</ref><ref>Template:ASN accident</ref>
2020s
[edit]- January 28, 2022: Flight 5240, operated by a Boeing 747-400F (B-18715), sustained damage to its number 2 engine after skidding on the snow-covered ground and colliding with ground equipment at O'Hare International Airport.<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
See also
[edit]- List of airlines of Taiwan
- List of companies of Taiwan
- List of airports in Taiwan
- Transportation in Taiwan
- Air transport in Taiwan
References
[edit]Further reading
[edit]External links
[edit]Template:Commons category-inline
- China Airlines
- China Airlines Cargo ServiceTemplate:Dead link
- Ho, Jessie. "China Airlines takes air safety to new levels." Taipei Times. Monday December 24, 2004.
Template:Portalbar Template:China Airlines Group Template:Navboxes
- Pages with broken file links
- China Airlines
- China Airlines Group
- Airlines of Taiwan
- Association of Asia Pacific Airlines
- Government-owned airlines
- Taiwanese brands
- Companies listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange
- Companies based in Taipei
- Companies based in Taoyuan City
- Airlines established in 1959
- SkyTeam
- 1959 establishments in Taiwan
- Government-owned companies of Taiwan