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About China Airlines

A Quick Overview of China Airlines

China Airlines (CAL) is the state-owned flag carrier of Taiwan (Republic of China), headquartered at CAL Park on the grounds of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Dayuan District, Taoyuan City. Founded on December 16, 1959, by a retired air force officer with two PBY-5A Catalina flying boats, it has grown into one of Taiwan’s two major airlines alongside EVA Air. A member of the SkyTeam alliance, China Airlines operates over 1,400 weekly flights to 102 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania, carrying nearly 20 million passengers and 5,700 tons of cargo annually (2017 data). Known for its “NexGen” (Next Generation) plan launched in 2014, the airline emphasizes premium flight quality, safety, and Taiwanese cultural elements, with a slogan of “We treasure every encounter.” Despite challenges like labor disputes and name confusion with Air China, China Airlines remains a key player in global aviation, recognized for its stylish cabins and commitment to sustainability.

History

China Airlines was established in 1959 with a modest fleet and a focus on domestic and regional services. It expanded rapidly in the 1960s and 1970s, becoming Taiwan’s flag carrier. The airline faced political constraints due to Taiwan’s status, delaying mainland China flights until 2003, when it operated its first legal charter from Taipei to Shanghai via Hong Kong. Regular cross-strait flights began in 2009. The NexGen plan, launched in March 2014, modernized its brand with new uniforms, cabin designs, and fleet upgrades, retiring older Airbus A340-300s (2017) and Boeing 747-400s.

Key milestones include:

• 1980s–1990s: Expanded globally, introducing Boeing 747s for long-haul routes to North America and Europe.
• 2002: Joined SkyTeam alliance, enhancing global connectivity.
• 2011: Became fully state-owned under the China Airlines Group, which also operates China Airlines Cargo and Tigerair Taiwan.
• 2016: Terminated First Class services, converting seats to Business Class, and faced a historic flight attendants’ strike (June 25), canceling 122 flights.
• 2019: Ordered 14 leased and 11 purchased Airbus A321neos, plus three Boeing 777Fs, to replace Boeing 737-800s and 747-400Fs. A pilots’ strike during Lunar New Year canceled over 200 flights.
• 2020: Managed COVID-19 disruptions with repatriation flights and cargo services, maintaining SkyTeam Cargo operations.
• 2022: Resumed flights to Bali and expanded cross-strait routes to 33 mainland China destinations.
• 2024: Switched London operations from Gatwick to Heathrow permanently and announced 10 Airbus A350-1000s for delivery starting 2027 to enhance long-haul routes.
• 2025: Took delivery of additional A321neos, continuing fleet modernization.