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China Airlines
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中華航空

IATA ICAO Callsign CI CAL DYNASTY
Founded	7 September 1959 (7 September 1959)
Commenced operations	16 December 1959 (16 December 1959)
Hubs	Taipei–Taoyuan
Focus cities	Hong Kong Kaohsiung Taipei–Songshan
Frequent-flyer program	Dynasty Flyer
Alliance	SkyTeam SkyTeam Cargo
Subsidiaries	Mandarin Airlines (93.99%) Tigerair Taiwan (100%)
Fleet size	88 (incl cargo)
Destinations	102 (incl cargo)
Company slogan	Journey with a caring smile
Parent company	China Airlines Group
Traded as	TWSE: 2610
ISIN	TW0002610003
Headquarters	CAL Park, Dayuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan (Republic of China)
Key people	Nuan-Hsuan Ho (Chairman)[1] Shih-Chien Hsieh (President)[1]
Revenue	NTD139.815 billion (2017)[2]
Operating income	NTD 3.088 billion (2017)[2]
Net income	NTD 2.208 billion (2017)[2]
Total assets	NTD 228.421 billion (2017)[2]
Total equity	NTD 54.709 billion (2017)[2]
Employees	12,562[3]
Website	www.china-airlines.com

China Airlines (CAL) (Chinese: 中華航空; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Hángkōng) is Taiwan's largest airline. It is headquartered in Taoyuan International Airport and operates over 1400 flights weekly (including 91 pure cargo flights) to 102 cities across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.^[4][5][6] Carrying over 19 million passengers and 5700 tons of cargo in 2017, the carrier was the 33rd and 10th largest airline in the world in terms of passenger revenue per kilometer (RPK) and freight RPK, respectively.^[2] China Airlines has three airline subsidiaries: China Airlines Cargo, a member of Skyteam Cargo, operates a fleet of freighter aircraft and manages its parent airline's cargo-hold capacity; Mandarin Airlines operates flights to domestic and low-demand regional destinations; Tigerair Taiwan is a low-cost carrier established by China Airlines and Singaporean airline group Tigerair Holdings, but is now wholly owned by China Airlines Group.^[7]

History

Formation and early years (1959–1995)

China Airlines Boeing 727-109C at Singapore International Airport in 1974

With a fleet of two PBY Amphibians, China Airlines was established on 16 December 1959,^[4] with its shares completely held by the Taiwan government.^{[citation needed]} It was founded by a retired air force officer^{[citation needed]} 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.^[8] Later, with the introduction of Caravelle and Boeing 727-100s, the airlines introduced international flights to South Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.^{[citation needed]} With the airlines' first two Boeing 707 aircraft, trans-Pacific flights to San Francisco via Tokyo were initiated on 2 February 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).^{[citation needed]}

Following the standard utilization of the wide-body 747 on the highly profitable Trans Pacific – USA routes, China Airlines introduced its first two 747-100s (ex-Delta Air Lines aircraft) in 1976 and immediately placed it on its Hong Kong-Taipei-Tokyo-Honolulu-Los Angeles route. Shortly thereafter, four brand new Boeing 747SP (Special Performance) were introduced in 1977. Due to political pressure, Japan ended its diplomatic ties with Taiwan in 1972, and all flights between Taiwan and Japan were stopped. 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 airlines to introduce flights to Saudi Arabia and South Africa. In 1979, the airlines 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 airlines introduced its first European destination, Amsterdam.

China Airlines Boeing 747–200 at Amsterdam Schiphol International Airport

In 1978, Japan allowed China Airlines to return to Tokyo International Airport at Haneda after relocating all other airlines at the New Tokyo International Airport at Narita, leaving China Airlines as the sole international operator at Haneda, which at the time was an exclusive domestic facility. The premise being that air carriers from the PRC and Taiwan were prevented crossing paths at any Japanese airports. Thus CAL's Osaka service, due to the city's only airport at Itami, would not be reinstated until years later. The crossing of flag-carriers (Taiwan based-airlines and Mainland China PRC based-airlines) occurred almost hourly at then British-controlled Hong Kong's Kaitak International Airport. Adversely, other regional airports such as Bangkok, Singapore and Manila were entirely spared of this indignity imposed on Japan by China.

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).^{[citation needed]} 1993 saw China Airlines listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange. Later CAL would place one of the largest orders for the newest Boeing 747. The new 747s and an earlier an order with Airbus for over a dozen A300B4 wide body regional jets allowed for addition destination growth.

China Airlines in the 90s brought the Boeing 747-409. They were used on routes that the 747-200B and the 747-SP-09 had previously flown including Hong Kong and Los Angeles. The strips paint scheme was however short-lived due to China Airlines rebranding to cope with the Handover of British Hong Kong.

Change of logo and livery (1995–2010)

MD-11 wearing the new China Airlines livery at Taoyuan International Airport in 2001

As Republic of China (Taiwan)'s flag carrier, China Airlines has been affected by disputes over the political status of Republic of China (Taiwan), and under pressure from the Communist Party of China, was barred from flying into a number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China ("China"). As a result, in the mid-1990s, China Airlines subsidiary Mandarin Airlines took over some of its Sydney and Vancouver international routes. Partly as a way to avoid the international controversy, in 1995 China Airlines unveiled its "plum blossom" logo,^[8] replacing the national flag, which had previously appeared on the tail fins (empennage), and the aircraft livery from the red-white-blue national colors on the fuselage of its aircraft.^[9] The plum blossom (Prunus mume) is Taiwan'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).^[10]

A China Airlines Airbus A330-300 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport in 2008.

During the 1990s and early 2000s, China Airlines placed orders for various airliners including the Airbus A330, Airbus A340, Boeing 737-800, and the Boeing 747-400 (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. (The aircraft took off from 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. 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.

Joining SkyTeam and "NexGen" Plan (2010–present)

China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining the SkyTeam airline alliance on 14 September 2010^[11] and officially became a full member on 28 September 2011.^[12] 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.

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 26 September 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.^[7][13]

A China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER at Frankfurt Airport in 2016.

In March 2014, China Airlines announced the launch of its "NexGen (Next Generation)" plan to complement the first China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER delivery. The plan, designed to refresh the brand image of the carrier, includes product innovations, new uniforms, and fleet replacements. Through cooperating with designers from the Greater China region, the carrier hopes to introduce unique product offerings that can showcase the beauty of the Orient and cultural creativity of Taiwan.^[14]

The first phase of the plan has rolled out following the delivery of the first 777 delivery, renovation of Dynasty Lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1, and debut of new William Chang-designed uniforms.^[15] In September 2016, the airline received its first Airbus A350-900XWB, featuring a second version of NexGen China Airlines cabin design. In June 2017, the final Airbus A340-300 of the carrier was sent to Victorville for retirement. Future phases of the plan includes the retirement of the Boeing 747-400, announcement of new narrow-body and regional wide-body orders. Additionally, following the retirement of 747s from long-haul routes, China Airlines has terminated First Class services; First Class seats are now sold as Business Class.^[14][16]

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, 777, and Airbus A320, A330/A340, and A350XWB 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.^[17] 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.^[18][19] The first TAMECO hangar, to be completed in March 2019, will be able to accommodate 2 777/A350 and 3 737/A320 at the same time.^[20]

Labor-management relations have become increasingly tense over recent years. On 25 June 2016, the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union, representing some 2500 cabin crew from China Airlines, staged the first strike in Taiwanese aviation history. A total of 122 China Airlines-passenger flights from Taoyuan International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport were cancelled as a result. The strike ended within a day following government intervention, replacement of top officials, and management-representatives conditionally agreeing to all seven demands from the union.^[21] Though the strike has ended, to this day, disputes are still on-going.^[22]

Headquarters

CAL Park, headquarters for the company

China Airlines has its headquarters, CAL Park (Chinese: 華航園區; pinyin: Huáháng Yuánqū^[23]), on the grounds of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Dayuan Township, Taoyuan County. CAL Park, located at the airport entrance, forms a straight line with Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the future Terminal 3.^[24]

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.^[25] 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.^[26]

Branding

Livery and uniforms

China Airlines Crew Cardboard Cut-Out (New Uniforms) at Taipei Songshan Airport

Prior to introducing the current plum blossom livery in 1995, the livery of China Airlines featured the flag of Taiwan on the tail due to commercial and political reasons.^[9]

In 2011, after joining Skyteam, the carrier made alterations to its logo as part of refreshing the brand image. A new font was chosen for the company name and a new approach was taken for the appearance of the plum blossom trademark.^[27]

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.^[15]

Marketing slogans

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 the 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–present)

Destinations

China Airlines destinations.

  Taiwan

  Passenger and cargo

  Passenger only

  Cargo only

China Airlines currently operates over 1,400 flights weekly (including pure cargo flights) to 118 airports in 115 cities on four continents (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.^[28]

China Airlines has its largest hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, which is the largest airport in Taiwan and is located near the national capital of Taipei. China Airlines operate out of both Terminal 1 and 2 at the airport. Operations to Europe, India, Korea, Hong Kong and 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 the routes form a Northeast Asia Golden Flight Circle.^[29]

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.^[30] 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.^[31] Since then, China has quickly become the second largest market for China Airlines, with over 130 flights to 33 destinations across the Mainland.^[32]

Route plans

China Airlines aircraft line-up at Taoyuan International Airport

Over the period 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.^[33] After upgrading all its European routes to nonstop services, in late 2017, the carrier launched four weekly services to London Gatwick Airport.^[34] 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 metal in April 2018. China Airlines sells 40% of the seats on the flight.^[35] In America, daily flights were launched between Taipei and Ontario International Airport in Greater Los Angeles in March 2018.^[36] Additionally, the carrier has expressed interests in launching European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, and Prague;^[37] in North America, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Toronto.^{[38][39][40][41]}

Regarding its regional network, China Airlines is actively supporting the "New Southward Policy" of the Taiwanese government by adding frequencies to Southeast Asia. On the other hand, Mainland routes are being downsized due to tense cross-strait relations.^[42]

Codeshare agreements

China Airlines codeshares with the following airlines:^[43][44]

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.^[50]
Additionally, China Airlines is planning on codesharing with British Airways. Initial agreements have been struck to cooperate from Taipei-Taoyuan to London-Gatwick and beyond.^[51]

Fleet

Current fleet

As of October 2018 the China Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft:^[52][53]

Retired fleet

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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 A330-300 with Rolls Royce engines (leased from Virgin Atlantic)
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Airbus A340-300
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Boeing 707
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Boeing 747-200F
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Boeing 747-SP
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Boeing 767-200
  

  
  

  
  


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  China Airlines Boeing 747-409 (B-162) in Striped Livery.
  

  
  

  
  

Renewal plans

China Airlines Airbus A350-900 with Mikado pheasant livery

In 2008, China Airlines firmed up an order for 14 Airbus A350-900 aircraft along with another 6 options.^[55] In 2012, an order for 6 Boeing 777-300ER and a lease agreement with GECAS for 4 more of the type were confirmed. Both the Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER replaced the aging Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400 on intercontinental routes. Deliveries of the Boeing 777-300ER started in 2014 and were completed in 2016. The first Airbus A350-900 was delivered in 2016.^[38] In July 2017, Airbus delivered its 100th A350 to China Airlines.^[56]

China Airlines has options for another 6 A350s. Decision to switch the options to firm orders will be based upon the performance of the aircraft on European nonstop routes.^[57] The airline has taken a cautious attitude towards ordering the largest A350-1000 variant due to large capacity of the type.^[58]

Regarding the narrow-body fleet, the airline is planning on ordering around 20 narrow-body aircraft for itself and subsidiary Mandarin Airlines by July 2018.^[59] Types in consideration include the Boeing 737MAX and Airbus A320neo. The much-delayed order was originally planned to include around 50 aircraft and an order for Tigerair Taiwan when it was first announced in 2015. However, due to drastic market changes, including the decline of Mainland visitors and oversupply in the Japanese markets, the type and size of the new narrow-body fleet is being reconsidered. For the short-term, the airline has chosen to lease new Boeing 737-800s.^[60][61]

Replacement plans are also underway for the regional wide-body fleet of Airbus A330-300. In 2017, China Airlines announced that a decision for A330 replacement would be decided within two years.^[62] 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.^[63]

Retirement plans

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.^{[33][64][65][66]} Regarding the newer Boeing 747-400 passenger fleet with the General Electric CF6 engines, they will be kept to operate high demand cross-strait and regional flights.^[67][68]

Cargo fleet plans

China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F

China Airlines Cargo, the freight division of China Airlines, currently operates a fleet of 18 freighters to 33 destinations across Asia, Europe and North America, in addition to utilising the cargo space on passenger aircraft. Over the past few years,^[when?] it has been suffering from falling freight demands and has stored three Boeing 747-400Fs at Victorville Airport.^[69]

Special liveries

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.^[70] Currently, China Airlines has a total of 7 special livery aircraft in service.

Aircraft manufacturer co-branded liveries

China Airlines has a history of partnering with aircraft manufacturers to introduce special liveries. The first co-branded livery aircraft was a Boeing 747-400, which was delivered in 2004 carrying the combined livery-design of Boeing and the airline; the aircraft was painted back to China Airlines corporate colors in 2012. The second co-branded livery was painted on a Boeing 777-300ER delivered in May 2016.^[71] The third co-branded livery aircraft, first with Airbus, was painted on an Airbus A350-900. The design interweaves the China Airlines brand colors with the Airbus carbon fiber pattern.^[72]

Plane currently carrying hybrid liveries:

• B-18007 (Boeing 777-300ER) –- world's first co-branded Boeing 777^[72]
  


• B-18918 (Airbus A350-900) -- first aircraft in the world to use an Airbus co-branded livery.^[71]
  

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^[71]
  

"Flying Ambassador of Taiwan” series

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^[73]
  


• B-18908 (Airbus A350-900) – named and decorated after Taiwan blue magpie^[73][74]
  

Skyteam alliance livery

China Airlines has two aircraft painted in the Skyteam alliance livery:

• B-18211 (Boeing 747-400) – currently the only Boeing 747 wearing the Skyteam livery


• B-18311 (Airbus A330-300) – previously wearing the "Sweet" Fruit livery

Plane once part of the series:

• B-18206 (Boeing 747-400) – first Boeing 747 to wear the Skyteam livery

Taiwanese culture and creativity series

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.^[75]

Plane currently part of the series:

• B-18361 (Airbus A330-300) – "Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan" livery, in collaboration with Cloud Gate Dance Theatre^[75]
  

Planes once part of the series:

• B-18203 (Boeing 747-400) – Love & Hug livery, in collaboration with illustrator Jimmy Liao^[75]
  


• B-18358 (Airbus A330-300) – "Masalu! Taiwan" livery, in collaboration with Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavalung and the Council of Indigenous Peoples^[75]
  

Other existing special liveries

• B-18657 (Boeing 737-800) – "Buddy Bears" livery, featuring Taiwanese and Japanese cartoon bears OhBear (Taiwan), Hero (Kaohsiung) and Kumamon (Kumamoto) along with famous landmarks from Kaohsiung and Kumamoto. The aircraft is regularly assigned to the Kaohsiung-Kumamoto route.^[76]
  

Other retired special liveries

• 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; repainted to standard livery


• 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; aircraft previously part of "50th Anniversary" series; aircraft retired

50th Anniversary series

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 the 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

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  'Blue Whale' 747 B-18210 in the hangars
  

  
  

  
  


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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
  

  
  

  
  

Cabin classes

Business Class

Business Class, formerly known as Dynasty Class, is offered on all China Airlines aircraft.

Premium Business Class

China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Premium Business Class

Premium Business Class is available on the Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350-900.^[38] The seats are configured in a 1-2-1 layout, offering every passenger direct aisle access. The seat is 78 inch long in full flat mode. Each seat features natural woodgrain table, adjustable reading lights, multiple storage bins, AC and USB sockets and an 18-inch multiple-touch screen with touchscreen-control. Turndown service is offered by cabin crew upon request while a self-service galley bar, named as Sky Lounge, offers snacks, instant noodles, drinks, and books for passengers during in-flight.^[38][77]

Former First Class seats

China Airlines First Class Seat In Lie-Flat Mode

China Airlines has terminated First Class services since 1 July 2015. However, it still offers the hardware product on the Boeing 747 aircraft and markets the seats as Business Class ones. There are 12 flat-bed First Class seats located in each of the three-class Boeing 747s nose sections. Each seat features a 15.1-inch personal screen with Audio and Video On Demand (AVOD), USB port, universal power outlet, and noise cancelling headphone. Turndown service is offered by cabin crew upon request.^[78]

Recliner and angle-flat seats

On the long haul Airbus A330-300s, there are 30 shell seats with 63" of pitch and 166° of recline; on the medium haul A330s, there are 36 shell seats with 52" of pitch and 140° of recline. All Business Class seats on the Airbus fleet have in-seat power and personal television screens.

Boeing 747 aircraft equipped with First Class flatbed-seats have 49 Business Class recliner seats. All seats offer 60" of pitch, in-seat power, 10.4" IFE displays and have 140° of recline. Boeing 737-800 aircraft are equipped with 8 recliners styles seats with 40" of pitch.

Premium Economy Class

China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Premium Economy Class

Premium Economy Class is offered on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900XWB. The class features fixed-back seats, 12.1-inch multiple-touch screens, USB ports, universal power outlets, footrests, leg-rests, and tables with adjustable tablet holders. Passengers traveling in Premium Economy Class will receive complimentary amenity kits, slippers and inflatable neck-rests. The seat pitch is approximately 39 inch.^[77]

Economy Class

Economy Class on all aircraft features 31–32" of pitch and, except on Boeing 737 aircraft, IFE screens ranging from 6.5" to 11.1" inch size.

China Airlines previously sold the Family Couch product on long haul flights operated by the Boeing 777-300ER and the Airbus A350-900XWB.^[38] It was a set of three Economy class seats, in the first 10 rows on the right of the Economy Class cabin on the 777 and first 6 rows on both right and left of the Economy Class cabin on the A350, that could be easily converted into a large surface area. By booking three adjacent Family Couch seats on long-haul flights, passengers could lie flat on their backs.^[38][77][79] However, due to low popularity, China Airlines has stopped selling the product as of June 2018. Seats capable of becoming Family Couch seats will now have leg-rests locked.^[80]

In-flight services

Meal services

Ta-a noodles offered in Business Class

China Airlines Economy Class meal (seafood curry with rice)

Food and beverages served on flights from Taipei are provided by China Pacific Catering Services (CPCS) facilities in Taipei. China Airlines offers a variety of meals on intercontinental routes, depending on seat class, destination and flight length. Western and Eastern menu selections are typically offered, including seasonal menu selections varied by destination. Special meal offerings can be requested in each class during booking, including children's, religious, vegetarian, and other meals. Meals from famous Taiwanese restaurants or hotels are offered, mostly to First and Business Class passengers.

China Airlines also offers refreshments (also known as light meals) or snack boxes on all of their international flights. Mixed nuts are offered to customers in all classes before flight while pre-flight drinks are served exclusively to First and Business Class passengers.

Self-Service Galley Bar

China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Sky Lounge

The Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 of China Airlines features a galley bar, Sky Lounge, for Premium Business Class passengers to serve themselves with coffee, tea, alcoholic beverages, cup noodles, or snacks. The bar area also features social areas, located next to the exits, and books selected by Eslite Bookstore.^[77]

In-flight entertainment

China Airlines PTV welcome screen

Fantasy Sky, the in-flight entertainment system of China Airlines, is available on all aircraft types excluding the Boeing 737–800. The system comes in three languages: Traditional Chinese, English and Japanese. Over 100 movies are offered in addition to television shows, songs, and video games. Other functions include exterior camera views, company information, and connecting flight data (available prior to landing). Furthermore, on the Boeing 777-300ER, "Fantasy Sky" features Duty Free catalogues, E-Books, surveys and chatrooms.^[77]

Regarding personal electronic devices, China Airlines, in accordance with governmental regulations, allows passengers to use electronics, storable in the seat pocket and under flight mode, throughout the journey. Digital devices heavier than 1 kg can only be used above 10,000 feet. Furthermore, after landing and during long delays, data roaming will be allowed under the captain's permission.^[81]

In-flight connectivity (Wi-Fi)

In-flight Wi-Fi, utilizing the T-Mobile systems and Ku band satellite disks, is available on the Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 once the plane reaches cruising altitude. Passengers can enjoy internet connection by paying through the system. There are also free services such as news articles and weather information. Phone calls and video chat are not permitted on the system.^[38][77]

In-flight magazines

China Airlines in-flight magazines

China Airlines publishes three in-flight magazines for its passengers: DYNASTY, Fantasy Sky, and Sky Boutique.

DYNASTY, the China Airlines magazine, has articles in English, Chinese, and Japanese. The articles feature local and international events, descriptive culture, social introductions, personal interviews, in-flight entertainment instructions, and China Airlines news.

Fantasy Sky, China Airlines' in-flight entertainment guide, provides information on the movies, videos, music, and radio channels offered.

Sky Boutique is China Airlines' duty-free catalog.

Dynasty Flyer

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.^[82]

Greater China Connection

In January 2013, Skyteam-members China Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines 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.^[83]

Dynasty Lounges

TPE T1 Lounge Exclusive Area

TPE T1 Lounge Business Class Area

China Airlines' airline lounges are branded as "Dynasty Lounge". There are a total of 9 China Airlines lounges (including 1 Mandarin Airlines lounge in Taichung) at 7 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 card holders. Two-section lounges include an Exclusive Area, for Dynasty Flyer Emerald and Paragon card holders, and a Business Class Area, for Business Class passengers and Dynasty Flyer Gold card holders.

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.^[84]

Location of Dynasty Lounges:^[85]

• 
  Taipei Taoyuan International Terminal 1


• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 (near Gate D4; closed for renovation until Sep 2018^[86])


• Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 (previously branded as Dynasty Supreme Lounge)


• Kaohsiung International Airport


• Kuala Lumpur International Airport


• Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport


• 
  Tokyo Narita International Airport Terminal 2


• Honolulu International Airport


• San Francisco International Airport

Skyteam Lounge Hong Kong

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 15 and provides a total of 230 seats. Facilities include VIP room, lounge area, dining area with a hot and cold buffet of international cuisine, bar, business centre, TV room, yoga room, and shower rooms. Regarding connectivity, there are work stations, charging points for electronic devices, complimentary Wi-Fi access.^[87]

Private bus services in the United States

In the United States, China Airlines operates private bus services in selected cities to transport customers between their residing location and the airport.^[88]

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.^[89]

Previously, the airline operated buses for travelers in San Francisco, Houston and Abu Dhabi.^[88] The San Francisco buses transported customers to/from Milpitas and Cupertino.^[90] The Houston bus service served Sugar Land and Southwest Houston Chinatown.^[91]

Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) Project

Since 2012, China Airlines has been participating 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.^[92][93]

Subsidiaries and associates

Mandarin Airlines E190

Tigerair Taiwan Airbus A320

China Airlines has diversified into related industries and sectors, including ground handling, aviation engineering, and inflight catering.

Companies with a major China Airlines Group stake include:^[4]

Incidents and accidents

Between 1994 and 2002, China Airlines suffered four fatal accidents,^[96] three of which each resulted in more than 200 deaths. The accidents contributed to the airline having a poor reputation for safety, partly blamed on an air force-influenced pilot culture.^[97] 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.^[96]

• On 2 January 1969, Flight 227, a Douglas C-47A, struck the side of Mount Dawu (大武山, 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.^[98]
  


• On 12 August 1970, Flight 206, a NAMC YS-11A, struck a ridge in thick fog while on approach to Taipei, killing 14 of 31 on board.^[99]
  


• On 20 November 1971, Flight 825, a Caravelle III aircraft, blew up after a bomb on it exploded, causing the deaths of 25 people over the Penghu Islands.^[100]
  


• On 26 March 1975, Douglas C-47A B-1553 crashed at Kompong Som following a mid-air collision with a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog.^[101]
  


• On 11 September 1979, Boeing 707-320Cregistration B-1834, crashed off Chiang Kai-shek International Airport shortly after takeoff during a training flight, killing all six crew on board.^[102]
  


• On 27 February 1980, Flight 811, a CAL Boeing 707-300C, registration B-1826, crashed short of the runway at Manila International Airport, killing two of 135 on board.^[103] The same route with the same flight number will be the scene of an assassination of a Filipino politician three years later.


• On 21 August 1983, an Airbus A-300 from Taipei, landed in Manila International Airport. Benigno Aquino Jr. the former senator in Philippines was assassinated after being escorted from the plane. Coincidentally, this is the second incident of China Airlines involving the flight number 811.


• On 19 February 1985, Flight 006, a Boeing 747SP, performed an uncontrolled descent over the Pacific Ocean resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.^[104]
  


• On 16 February 1986, Flight 2265, a Boeing 737–200, crashed 12 mi off Makung, Penghu, killing 13. During landing, a nosewheel tire blew. The crew performed a go-around during which the aircraft crashed; the wreckage was found on March 10 in 190 feet of water.^[105]
  


• On 3 May 1986, Flight 334, a Boeing 747-200F, was hijacked by its pilot, who landed the plane in Guangzhou, where he defected. The ROC government sent a delegation to discuss with their mainland counterpart regarding the return of the plane and two remaining crew.^[106]
  


• On 26 October 1989, Flight 204, a Boeing 737–200, struck a mountain near Hualien, Taiwan after the crew used the climbout procedure of the incorrect runway, causing the aircraft to make a wrong turn. All 54 passengers and crew aboard were killed.^[107]
  


• On 29 December 1991, Flight 358, a Boeing 747-200F (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.^[108]
  


• On 4 November 1993, Flight 605, a brand new Boeing 747–400, overran the 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, finishing up in Hong Kong harbor. All 396 people on board were safely evacuated but the aircraft was written off. The vertical stabilizer was dynamited away due to its interference with Kai Tak's ILS systems.^[109]
  


• On 26 April 1994, Flight 140, an Airbus A300, crashed while landing at Nagoya, Japan due to crew error, killing 264 of 271 on board.^[110]
  


• On 16 February 1998, Flight 676, an Airbus A300, crashed after a failed missed-approach at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport in Taiwan, killing all 196 aboard along with 7 on the ground, including ROC Central Bank chief Hsu Yuan-Dong.^[111]
  


• On 22 August 1999, Flight 642, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, flipped over while landing at Hong Kong airport during a typhoon. Three people were killed.^[112]
  


• On 25 May 2002, Flight 611, a Boeing 747-200B, broke up in mid-air on the way to Hong Kong 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 747-200 in China Airlines' passenger fleet. The cause was improper repair after a tailstrike incident in Hong Kong in 1980.^[113]
  


• On 20 August 2007, Flight 120, a Boeing 737–800 inbound from Taipei caught fire shortly after landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. After stopping on the tarmac, the engine started smoking and burning, and later exploded causing the aircraft to catch fire.^[114] A statement from the airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and a ground engineer knocked off his feet by the blast was unhurt.^[115] The cause of the explosion has been attributed to a fuel leak caused by a bolt from the right wing slat puncturing the fuel tank.^[116][117]
  

See also

• List of airports in Taiwan


• List of Taiwanese companies


• Transportation in Taiwan


• Air transport in Taiwan

References

External links

Media related to China Airlines at Wikimedia Commons

• China Airlines


• China Airlines Cargo Service


• China Airlines Fleet Age


• China Airlines Fleet Detail


• Ho, Jessie. "China Airlines takes air safety to new levels." Taipei Times. Monday 24 December 2004.