China Airlines eyes Boston, DC as US expansion options for new planes
Taiwan's China Airlines is eyeing significant U.S. expansion as it takes delivery of new long-haul jets in the coming years.
The SkyTeam Alliance carrier is considering adding Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and Dulles International Airport (IAD) to its map, Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines, said at an event at New York City's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) on Monday.
Before China Airlines adds new markets, however, the airline will add more flights to some of its largest North American gateways, including JFK, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), Chen added.
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"As we continue to receive new aircraft, we will keep evaluating opportunities to add new routes or increase flight frequencies based on market demand," he said.
China Airlines had 55 passenger planes — including 10 Airbus A350-1000s, 10 Boeing 777-9s and 24 Boeing 787s — on firm order at the beginning of June, an investor presentation shows. At least 16 aircraft will be used to replace older Airbus A330-300s.
Chen was in New York to announce China Airlines' decision to move to the new Terminal 1 at JFK when it opens in June 2026. The carrier currently uses Terminal 4 at the airport.
China Airlines' expansion plans come amid growth by its main competitors — EVA Air and Starlux — to the U.S. The former lands in October at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), its seventh U.S. destination; the latter starts at Ontario International Airport (ONT) in California in June and in PHX in early 2026.
Schedule data from aviation analytics firm Cirium shows that seats to the U.S. on China Airlines, EVA and Starlux are set to increase by nearly 12% this year combined compared to 2024.
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China Airlines' last new U.S. destination was SEA in 2024. The airline also serves LAX, ONT and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), Cirium schedules show — and, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Honolulu International Airport (HNL).
The carrier unveiled a new interline partnership with Southwest Airlines in June. Beginning in 2026, the pact will allow China Airlines and Southwest passengers to connect between their flights at joint gateways. However, it will not initially include loyalty benefits.
China Airlines also partners with Delta Air Lines. SkyMiles loyalty program members can earn and redeem points on the Taiwanese carrier.
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