China Airlines

File:Boeing 727-109C B-1822 China Als SIN 14.09.74 edited-2.jpg at Singapore International Airport in 1974]]

With a fleet of two PBY Amphibians, China Airlines was established on December 16, 1959, with its shares completely held by the Republic of China government.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} It was founded by I Fuen,{{cite news |title=Untold stories of Black Bat Squadron unveiled in Hsinchu 「黑蝙蝠中隊」可歌可泣歷史 新竹重現 |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang/archives/2012/03/24/2003528536 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |work=Taipei Times |date=March 24, 2012}} 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.{{cite web | title= Company History | publisher = China Airlines | url = https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/about-us/history | access-date = December 22, 2016}} Later, the airline introduced international flights to South Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.{{citation needed|date=December 2016}} 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).{{Citation needed|date=March 2009}}

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.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aF0vAAAAIBAJ&sjid=FdsFAAAAIBAJ&pg=3605%2C2601571 Flights resumed], UPI, Beaver County Times, May 12, 1976, page 41 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

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.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} 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).{{citation needed|date=December 2010}}

On February 8, 1990, China Airlines received the first of its initial five Boeing 747-400s (B-161).{{Citation needed|date=August 2024}} 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. 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.{{Cite web |title=文化部國家文化資料庫 |url=http://nrch.culture.tw/view.aspx?keyword=747&advanced=&s=2395847&id=0000739151&proj=MOC_IMD_001# |access-date=January 7, 2023 |website=nrch.culture.tw}}

File:Boeing 747-409, China Airlines AN0198833.jpg at Los Angeles International Airport (B-162). Second 747-400 bought by China Airlines on the Taipei to Los Angeles route in the old pre-1995 livery.]]

File:China Airlines MD-11 (N489GX) departing Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.jpg wearing the new China Airlines pink flower livery at Taipei Chiang Kai-Shek (now Taoyuan) International Airport in 2001]]

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,{{cite news |author1=Han Cheung |title=Taiwan in Time: The China Airlines that was never based in China |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/feat/archives/2021/10/03/2003765421 |access-date=October 4, 2021 |work=Taipei Times |date=October 3, 2021}} 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.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1995/08/14/news/14iht-tainote_0.html|title=Taipei Notebook : A Flag-Carrier That Won't|last=Murphy|first=Kevin|date=August 14, 1995|work=The New York Times|access-date=May 11, 2017|issn=0362-4331}} 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).{{Cite press release | title = China Airlines Once Again Passes Rigorous Safety Audit | publisher = China Airlines | date = March 18, 2009 | url = http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000542.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120228/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000542.htm | archive-date = March 4, 2016 | access-date = December 22, 2016}}

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.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} (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.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}} 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.{{citation needed|date=April 2023}}

China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining airline alliance SkyTeam on September 14, 2010{{cite press release |author= |title=China Airlines Joins SkyTeam |url=http://www.skyteam.com/en/about/press-releases/press-releases-2010/china-airlines-joins-skyteam/ |publisher=SkyTeam |date=September 14, 2010 |access-date=December 22, 2016}} and officially became a full member on September 28, 2011.{{Cite news|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/ShowNews/WebNews_Detail.aspx?ID=201009040010&Type=aECO|title=China Airlines to join Sky Team Alliance|author=Wang Shu-fen|date=September 4, 2010|work=Focus Taiwan|access-date=December 13, 2010|author2=Huang, Frances}} 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.

File:B-18201 B747-400 China Airlines (6340376056).jpg at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in 2011]]

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.{{cite web|title=CAL Annual Report 2016|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/Images/annual_2016_zh_tcm40-24643.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121328/https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/Images/annual_2016_zh_tcm40-24643.pdf |archive-date=December 15, 2018 |url-status=live|website=China Airlines|access-date=June 23, 2017}}{{cite news|url=http://www.appledaily.com.tw/realtimenews/article/new/20170911/1201293/|newspaper=蘋果日報|date=September 11, 2017|script-title=zh:華航3架氣候觀測機5年來飛4682次 做了這些事|access-date=September 11, 2017}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/business/paper/1061842|website=Liberty Times|date=December 15, 2016|script-title=zh:虎航成華航100％子公司|access-date=December 15, 2017}}

File:B-18007@PEK (20200403123859).jpg co-branded with Boeing Dreamliner colors]]

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.{{cite web|last1=Shih|first1=Kai-Chin|title=China Airlines "Next Generation Plan" Part I: The New Boeing 777-300ER Cabin|url=http://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2014/03/19/china-airlines-new-boeing-777-300er-cabin/|website=Talkairlines|date=March 19, 2014|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-date=January 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128083919/https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2014/03/19/china-airlines-new-boeing-777-300er-cabin/|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|title=China Airlines Debuts William Cheung-Designed Uniforms|url=https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/talkbranding-china-airlines-debuts-william-cheung-designed-uniforms/|website=talkairlines|date=June 12, 2015|access-date=June 13, 2015|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407010119/https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2015/06/12/talkbranding-china-airlines-debuts-william-cheung-designed-uniforms/|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite news|url=http://udn.com/news/story/9/1994337|date=September 30, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016|publisher=UDN|language=zh-tw|script-title=zh:華航新空巴入列 歐洲線12月全數直飛|website=UDN}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/discover/news/press-release/20190508-2|script-title=zh:中華航空「新窄體客機評估遴選暨新機引進案」新聞稿|website=China Airlines|access-date=May 8, 2019|title=20190508-2}}{{cite web|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/discover/news/press-release/20190508-1|script-title=zh:中華航空「新長程貨機引進案」新聞稿|website=China Airlines|access-date=May 8, 2019|title=20190508-1}}

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.{{cite web |title=Airbus Customer Services launches Airbus MRO Alliance |url=https://www.airbus.com/newsroom/press-releases/en/2017/06/airbus-customer-services-launches-airbus-mro-alliance.html |website=Airbus |access-date=June 13, 2018}} 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.{{cite news|author1=Lee Hsin-Yin|title=China Airlines eyeing aircraft maintenance business|url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/aeco/201503200022.aspx|access-date=December 22, 2016|agency=CNA|publisher=Focus Taiwan|ref=TAMECO}}{{cite web|url=http://emd.china-airlines.com/lang-tc/news/newslist.html|publisher=中華航空公司機務組織|script-title=zh:新聞專區|access-date=December 15, 2017|archive-date=December 15, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171215221217/http://emd.china-airlines.com/lang-tc/news/newslist.html|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://m.ctee.com.tw/livenews/aj/20180611003627-260410 |script-title=zh:國內最大！台飛新棚廠上樑 明年正式啟用|website=CTEE|access-date=June 11, 2018}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20160625004081-260405|website=China Times|date=June 25, 2016 |script-title=zh:空服員罷工 華航2天營損2.8億元|access-date=June 25, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://trad.cn.rfi.fr/%E6%B8%AF%E6%BE%B3%E5%8F%B0/20190215-%E7%88%AD%E6%AC%8A%E5%A5%AA%E4%BD%8D%E5%8D%BB%E7%AE%A1%E7%90%86%E4%B8%8D%E5%96%84%E9%87%80%E6%88%90%E8%8F%AF%E8%88%AA%E5%8B%9E%E8%B3%87%E5%B0%8D%E5%B3%99%E6%90%8D%E5%A4%B1%E6%85%98%E9%87%8D |script-title=zh:爭權奪位卻管理不善釀成華航勞資對峙損失慘重|website=Radio France Internationale|date=February 15, 2019|access-date=February 15, 2019}}

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.{{cite news|title=Taiwan legislature calls for China Airlines name change |url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/3971556 |publisher=Taiwan News |date=July 22, 2020 |access-date=July 22, 2020}} The name change plans were on hold since 2022.{{Cite web |date=2022-04-19 |title=CAL holds off on name change: Wang - Taipei Times |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2022/04/19/2003776849 |access-date=2024-08-31 |website=www.taipeitimes.com}}

File:CALParkOfficeBuildingWatson88.jpg, the company's headquarters]]

{{see also|CAL Park}}

China Airlines has its headquarters, CAL Park ({{lang-zh|t=華航園區|p=Huáháng Yuánqū|links=no}}{{cite web|url=http://www.china-airlines.com/ch/newsch/newsch000858.htm|website=china-airlines.com|language=zh-tw|script-title=zh:「華航園區新建工程」1月31日隆重舉行開工動土典禮 2009年底完工 將成為臺灣桃園國際機場地標|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131005011223/http://www.china-airlines.com/ch/newsch/newsch000858.htm|archive-date=October 5, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2016|quote={{lang|zh-hant|「華航園區」預定2009年底前完工營運， ...}}}}), 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.{{Cite press release | title = China Airlines Inaugurates CAL Park at Taoyuan Airport | publisher = China Airlines | date = March 26, 2010 | url = http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000633.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20131014182829/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000633.htm | archive-date = October 14, 2013 | access-date = December 22, 2016}}

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.{{cite web|author1=China Airlines|title=Investor Relations|url=http://www.china-airlines.com/en/about/about_ar.htm|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090306154631/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/about/about_ar.htm|archive-date=March 6, 2009|quote=Address: No.131, Sec. 3, Nanjing E. Rd., Taipei City 104, Taiwan (R.O.C.)}} 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.{{cite web|title=Branch Office|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/contact-us/offices|website=china-airlines.com|access-date=December 22, 2016|quote=No. 131, Section 3, Nanjing East Road, Taipei City 104, Taiwan}}

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. 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."{{cite web|last=Cheung|first=Han|url=https://www.taipeitimes.com:443/News/feat/archives/2021/10/03/2003765421|title=Taiwan in Time: The China Airlines that was never based in China|newspaper=Taipei Times|date=October 3, 2021|access-date=October 9, 2021}}

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.{{cite news|url=http://worldjournal.com/bookmark/15237232-%E8%8F%AF%E8%88%AA%E7%B4%85%E6%A2%85%E6%94%B9%E7%89%88-%E6%BD%91%E5%A2%A8%E5%91%B3%E6%B7%A1%E4%BA%86%EF%BC%9F|last1=Lee|first1=Cheng Yu|date=August 27, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2014|archive-url=https://archive.today/20140715010135/http://worldjournal.com/bookmark/15237232-%E8%8F%AF%E8%88%AA%E7%B4%85%E6%A2%85%E6%94%B9%E7%89%88-%E6%BD%91%E5%A2%A8%E5%91%B3%E6%B7%A1%E4%BA%86%EF%BC%9F|archive-date=July 15, 2014|url-status=dead|publisher=World Journal|agency=World Journal|script-title=zh:華航紅梅改版 潑墨味淡了？}}

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.

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."

The name China Airlines reflects Taiwan's official name, the Republic of China.{{cite web |last1=Blanchard |first1=Ben |title=Coronavirus Confusion Puts Name of Taiwan's China Airlines in the Spotlight |url=https://skift.com/2020/04/14/coronavirus-confusion-puts-name-of-taiwans-china-airlines-in-the-spotlight/ |website=skift.com |date=April 14, 2020 |publisher=Skift |access-date=April 14, 2020}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.weninchina.com/transpac-pioneers/china-airlines-1971|title=China Airlines - 1971 History Booklet|website=weninchina|date=April 22, 2018 }} 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. 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.{{cite web |last1=Lin |first1=Sean |title=Virus Outbreak: CAL to highlight 'Taiwan' on delivering donations |url=https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2020/04/15/2003734639 |website=www.taipeitimes.com |publisher=Taipei Times |access-date=April 14, 2020}}

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.{{cite web | title = First ci's special livery aircraft to promote Taiwan tourism | date = August 25, 2003 | publisher = China Airlines | url = http://www.china-airlines.com/en/e_news/e_news614.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20030829124349/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/e_news/e_news614.htm | archive-date = August 29, 2003 | access-date = December 22, 2016}} 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{{cite web|title=China Airlines Makes History With Newest 777-300ER|url=http://www.boeing.com/commercial/customers/china-airlines/newest-777-300er.page?cm_re=May2016-_-Hero+rotator-_-China+Airlines+Makes+History+With+Newest+777-300ER|website=Boeing|access-date=May 17, 2016}}
• B-18918 (Airbus A350-900) – First aircraft in the world to use an Airbus co-branded livery{{cite news |title=A350 Joint Livery with China Airlines and Airbus Arriving in Taiwan in October |url=https://www.china-airlines.com/us/en/discover/news/press-release/20180719 |website=China Airlines |access-date=October 3, 2018}}

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

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{{cite web|title=China Airlines Launches A350 "Flying Ambassador" to Explore the Beauty of Taiwan|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/nl/en/discover/news/press-release/20160426|date=April 26, 2016|website=China Airlines|access-date=October 8, 2016}}
• B-18908 (Airbus A350-900) – Named and decorated after Taiwan blue magpie{{cite web|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/nz/zh/discover/news/press-release/20170802|website=China Airlines|script-title=zh:華航藍鵲號彩繪機啟航 台北-溫哥華A350新機上線|access-date=August 23, 2017|title=20170802}}

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)

China Airlines unveiled the first Pokémon Jet in Taiwan as a part of "Pokémon Air Adventures", a collaboration project with The Pokémon Company.{{Cite web |title=20220727 |url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/discover/news/press-release/20220727.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=www.china-airlines.com |language=en}} The aircraft is a Airbus A321neo dubbed "Pikachu Jet CI", in which Pikachu (a popular Pokémon representing the franchise) is prominently featured.{{Cite web |title=20220928 |url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/discover/news/press-release/20220928.html |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=www.china-airlines.com |language=en}} The jet will have Pokémon themed check in tickets, in-flight items, and merchandise.{{Cite web |title=Pokémon Air Adventures |url=https://pikachujet.china-airlines.com/en/ |access-date=April 2, 2023 |website=Pokémon Air Adventures |language=en}}

Planes currently part of the series:

• B-18101 (Airbus A321neo) – Featuring Pikachu (main character), Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, Munna, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Slowpoke and Teddiursa

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

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.{{cite web|last1=Shih|first1=Kai-Chin|title=China Airlines Unveils Cloud Gate Livery|url=http://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2014/07/24/talkbranding-china-airlines-unveils-cloud-gate-dance-theatre-special-livery-fourth-plane-of-the-taiwanese-culture-creativity-series/|website=talkairlines|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=July 24, 2014}}

Planes once part of this series:

• B-18203 (Boeing 747-400) – "Love & Hug" livery, in collaboration with illustrator Jimmy Liao
• B-18358 (Airbus A330-300) – "Masalu! Taiwan" livery, in collaboration with Paiwan artist Sakuliu Pavavaljung and the Council of Indigenous Peoples
• B-18361 (Airbus A330-300) – "Cloud Gate Dance Theater" livery, in collaboration with Cloud Gate Dance Theater

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 "∞".{{cite web |title=China Airlines' 60th Anniversary Liveried Aircraft Makes First Flight to Ontario, California |url=https://centreforaviation.com/members/direct-news/china-airlines-60th-anniversary-liveried-aircraft-makes-first-flight-to-ontario-california-470078 |website=CAPA Centre for Aviation |access-date=April 23, 2019}} 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

• 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

File:China Airlines' Boeing 747 in maintenance hangar.jpg|"Blue Whale" 747 B-18210 in the hangars

File:China Airlines B747-409 (B-18211) taxiing at Narita International Airport.jpg|SkyTeam 747-400 B-18211 landing at Tokyo Narita Airport

File:China Airlines Taiwan Blue Magpie Livery.jpg|"Taiwan Blue Magpie" A350 B-18908 close-up

File:B-18311 take off BKK.jpg|SkyTeam A330 B-18311 taking off from Bangkok

File:Close Up Of China Airlines 'Welcome To Taiwan' Livery B-18355.JPG|"Welcome To Taiwan" A330 B-18355 close-up

File:B-18918@HKG (20181026123929).jpg|"Carbon Fibre" A350 B-18918 taking off at Hong Kong International Airport

File:B-18851 Airbus A340 China Airlines (8361005754).jpg|"The Original" B-18851 Airbus A340

File:ChinaAirlinesDestinations.svg (June 2023) {{legend|#FE0049|Taiwan}} {{legend|#3366cc|Passenger and cargo}} {{legend|#8fabe3|Passenger only}} {{legend|orange|Cargo only}}]]

{{Further|List of China Airlines destinations}}

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.{{cite web|script-title=zh:華航高雄九州紅不讓 接力開航熊本福岡|url=http://www.cnabc.com/news/aall/201510260051.aspx|website=CNA|access-date=October 26, 2015|archive-date=December 20, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220012358/http://www.cnabc.com/news/aall/201510260051.aspx|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite press release|author=|title=China Airlines Launches Taipei Songshan-Seoul Gimpo Service on April 30|url=http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000771.htm|website=China Airlines|publisher=China Airlines|date=April 30, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304103830/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/newsen/newsen000771.htm|archive-date=March 4, 2016|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://big5.huaxia.com/zt/2003-15/155251.html|script-title=zh:2003年2月，兩岸首次實現春節包機|website=Huaxia.com|access-date=February 24, 2015|archive-date=February 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224132100/http://big5.huaxia.com/zt/2003-15/155251.html|url-status=dead}} 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.{{cite web|url=http://www.taiwanembassy.org/US/ATL/ct.asp?xItem=108186&ctNode=2335&mp=16|website=Taiwan Economic Cultural Office in Atlanta|publisher=Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office in Atlanta|language=zh-tw|script-title=zh:2009年8月31日起正式啟動兩岸定期航班|trans-title=Beginning 31 August 2009, regularly scheduled cross-strait flights will begin|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224135157/http://www.taiwanembassy.org/US/ATL/ct.asp?xItem=108186&ctNode=2335&mp=16|archive-date=February 24, 2015|access-date=December 22, 2016}} Since then, China has quickly become the second-largest market for China Airlines, with over 130 flights to 33 destinations across the Mainland.{{cite web|url=http://hk.crntt.com/doc/1042/6/1/2/104261214.html?coluid=98&kindid=2997&docid=104261214&mdate=0611231844|website=CRNTT.com|script-title=zh:六月兩岸航線 華航每周130個航班|access-date=December 10, 2017}}

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.{{cite web |title=After 2-Years Away Regular China Airlines Flight Services Resumes To Bali |url=https://thebalisun.com/after-2-years-away-regular-china-airlines-flight-services-resumes-to-bali/#:~:text=The%20airline's%20operation%20in%20Bali,Denpasar%20every%20Tuesday%20and%20Friday. |website=The Bali Sun |access-date=6 May 2024 |language=English |date=4 September 2022 }}

File:China Airlines Lineup TPE.jpg in 2016]]

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.{{cite web|title=China Airlines Annual Report 2014|url=http://www.china-airlines.com/ch/about_ca/file/annual_2014.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123191304/http://www.china-airlines.com/ch/about_ca/file/annual_2014.pdf|archive-date=November 23, 2015|website=www.china-airlines.com|publisher=China Airlines|access-date=December 22, 2016}} 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.{{cite web|url=https://udn.com/news/story/11316/2851445|website=UDN News|script-title=zh:13小時！華航直飛倫敦 開航了|access-date=December 10, 2017}} 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.{{cite news|url=https://money.udn.com/money/story/5641/3090777|work=United Daily News |script-title=zh:睽違20年法航復飛台灣 華航著力深|access-date=May 20, 2018 |author1=經濟日報 }} In July 2023, a twice-weekly service to Prague was launched.{{cite web|url=https://www.travelnewsasia.com/news23/207-ChinaAirlines.shtml|title=China Airlines Launches Flights Between Taipei and Prague, Czech Republic|publisher=Travel News Asia|date=July 20, 2023}} In America, daily flights were launched between Taipei and Ontario (California) International Airport in Greater Los Angeles in March 2018.{{cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/276334/china-airlines-launches-daily-taipei-ontario-service-from-mar-2018/|title=China Airlines launches daily Taipei – Ontario service from Mar 2018|website=Routes Online|publisher=AirlineRoute|access-date=December 21, 2017}} Additionally, the carrier has expressed interests in launching European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid and Warsaw;{{cite web|url=https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/en/news/4948687|title=Taiwan's China Airlines interested in flights to Spain, Poland, Seattle|publisher=Taiwan News|date=July 19, 2023|author-first1=Matthew|author-last1=Strong}} in North America, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Seattle, Montréal, and Toronto.{{cite web|title=A350-900XWB Cabin Interiors and Route Plans|url=https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/talkairlines-china-airlines-reveals-airbus-a350-900xwb-cabin-interiors/|website=talkairlines|date=April 10, 2016|access-date=October 27, 2016|archive-date=January 22, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210122194211/https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2016/04/11/talkairlines-china-airlines-reveals-airbus-a350-900xwb-cabin-interiors/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|script-title=zh:華航董座專訪／華航開源節流 賺錢擺第一 |url=http://money.udn.com/money/story/5649/1969131|newspaper=經濟日報|access-date=October 1, 2016 |author1=經濟日報 }}{{cite web|script-title=zh:華航搶攻飛機維修 何煖軒自爆向長榮學習 |url=http://www.cna.com.tw/news/afe/201609300222-1.aspx|website=CNA|date=September 30, 2016 }}{{cite news|title=Taiwan's China Airlines in talks to start Ontario, CA ops|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/59247-taiwans-china-airlines-in-talks-to-start-ontario-ca-ops|website=ch-aviation|access-date=September 5, 2017}}

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.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20160812000094-260202|website=China Times|date=August 12, 2016 |script-title=zh:華航今年獲利 可望飛躍39億|access-date=August 13, 2016}}

China Airlines codeshares with the following airlines:{{cite web|script-title=zh:共用航班夥伴|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/baggage/code-shared-flights|website=China Airlines|access-date=November 2, 2016|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113040639/https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/fly/prepare-for-the-fly/baggage/code-shared-flights|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/china-airlines-ci |title=Profile on China Airlines |website=CAPA|publisher=Centre for Aviation|access-date=October 30, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161030212815/http://centreforaviation.com/profiles/airlines/china-airlines-ci |archive-date=October 30, 2016|url-status=live}}

{{div col|colwidth=17em}}

• Air Europa{{cite web|title=China Airlines / Air Europa Begins Codeshare Partnership from late-March 2016|url=http://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/254025/china-airlines-air-europa-begins-codeshare-partnership-from-late-march-2016/|website=Routes Online|publisher=Airline Route|access-date=November 2, 2016}}
• Air France{{cite web|script-title=zh:中華航空 將和 法國航空 實施共掛班號合作 |url=https://www.facebook.com/airlineroute.tw/posts/855388351309877|website=Facebook|publisher=Airlineroute|access-date=December 12, 2017}}
• Bangkok Airways
• British Airways
• China Eastern Airlines
• China Southern Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Hawaiian Airlines
• ITA Airways
• Japan Airlines
• J-Air{{cite web|url=https://www.aeroroutes.com/eng/230104-cijl|title=China Airlines Expands JAL Group Codeshare From Jan 2023}}
• KLM
• Korean Air
• Malaysia Airlines{{Cite web|url=https://www.routesonline.com/news/38/airlineroute/269810/china-airlines-malaysia-airlines-proposes-codeshare-service-from-nov-2016/|title=China Airlines / Malaysia Airlines proposes codeshare service from Nov 2016|website=Routesonline}}
• Philippine Airlines
• Qantas{{cite web|title=QANTAS CUSTOMERS TO ENJOY DIRECT FLIGHTS TO TAIWAN WITH CHINA AIRLINES|url=http://www.qantasnewsroom.com.au/media-releases/qantas-customers-to-enjoy-direct-flights-to-taiwan-with-china-airlines/|website=Qantas|access-date=November 2, 2016}}
• Royal Brunei Airlines{{cite web |script-title=zh:台灣直飛汶萊 汶萊皇家航空與華航聯營 |url=http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2632204 |website=Liberty Times |date=December 4, 2018 |access-date=December 4, 2018}}
• Scandinavian Airlines
• Shanghai Airlines
• Vietnam Airlines
• WestJet
• XiamenAir

{{div col end}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.bahn.de/p/view/mdb/bahnintern/services/mobilitaet_service/rail_fly_airrail/2016/mdb_234060_20161020_railandfly_airlines.pdf|title=Rail&Fly Unsere Partner-Airlines – Our Partner Airlines|website=Deutsche Bahn|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161223064756/https://www.bahn.de/p/view/mdb/bahnintern/services/mobilitaet_service/rail_fly_airrail/2016/mdb_234060_20161020_railandfly_airlines.pdf|archive-date=December 23, 2016|url-status=dead}} 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{{cite news|script-title=zh:華航A350藍鵲首航倫敦 陳偉殷帶太太嚐鮮 |url=https://tw.appledaily.com/new/realtime/20171201/1251275/|work=Apple Daily |access-date=December 10, 2017 |title=Apple Daily - Celebrity Buzz }} it also has Interline agreements with:

• APG Airlineshttps://www.apgiet.com/all-partner-airlines.html
• Emirateshttps://www.emirates.com/us/english/travel-partners/
• Sun Country Airlines{{Cite web |url=https://suncountry.com/airline-partners |access-date=October 26, 2021 |title=Airline Partners |website=SunCountry.com }}

{{As of|2025|4}}, China Airlines operates the following aircraft:{{cite web|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/about-us/index|title=About Us > In-Service Fleet|date=March 31, 2025|access-date=April 10, 2025|website=China Airlines}}

{{More citations needed section|date=July 2023}}

File:China Airlines Airbus A300B4-220 B-190 (29650285264).jpg |China Airlines Airbus A300-B4

File:China Airlines Airbus A300 MRD.jpg |China Airlines Airbus A300-600R

File:Airbus A330-343E, China Airlines JP7160974.jpg|China Airlines Airbus A330-300 with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines (leased from Virgin Atlantic)

File:B-18851 Airbus A340 China Airlines (8361005754).jpg|China Airlines Airbus A340-300

File:B-1832 B707-321C(F) China A-l HKG 27OCT81 (6051901741).jpg|China Airlines Boeing 707

File:Boeing 747-209B(SF), China Airlines Cargo AN0134000.jpg|China Airlines Boeing 747-200 SF

File:Boeing 747SP-09, China Airlines AN0082841.jpg|China Airlines Boeing 747SP

File:China Airlines B767-209 (B-1838) landing at Kai Tak Airport.jpg|China Airlines Boeing 767-200

File:China Airlines, Boeing 747-400, SIN.jpg |China Airlines Boeing 747-400

File:China Airlines McDonnell Douglas MD-11 B-18152 (22445951450).jpg|alt=China Airlines MD-11 (Old Livery)|China Airlines MD-11

File:B-18651@PEK (20180528173352).jpg|China Airlines Boeing 737-800

File:China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F MRD-1.jpg |China Airlines Boeing 747-400F

File:Photo of China Airlines Airbus A300B4-622R B-1816 at Nagoya-Komaki International Airport (NGO, RJNN).jpg |A China Airlines A300-600R in older livery. This aircraft was involved in a crash as China Airlines Flight 140 in 1994

File:China Airlines, Airbus A350-941, B-18901 (29561556123).jpg with Mikado pheasant livery]]

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.

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.{{cite web|title=China Airlines takes delivery of first A350XWB|url=http://atwonline.com/airlines/china-airlines-takes-delivery-first-a350xwb|website=ATW Online|access-date=October 2, 2016}} The airline has taken a cautious attitude towards ordering the larger A350-1000 variant due to the large capacity.{{cite web|url=http://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/2329699|website=Liberty Times Net|date=February 2018|script-title=zh:空巴最新A350-1000飛機來台亮相 華航是潛在買家|access-date=May 20, 2018}}

Regarding the Airbus A330-300, replacement plans have been underway since 2017.{{cite news|url=https://tw.appledaily.com/new/realtime/20171026/1229051/|script-title=zh:華航擬汰換20架客機 年底前拍板|work=Apple Daily |access-date=June 14, 2018 |title=Apple Daily - Celebrity Buzz }} 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.{{cite web |title=China Airlines To Refurbish Airbus A330-300 Fleet |url=https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2016/09/07/china-airlines-a333-refurbishment/ |website=Talkairlines |date=September 7, 2016 |access-date=June 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124154021/https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2016/09/07/china-airlines-a333-refurbishment/ |url-status=dead }} 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.{{cite web |title=The agreement comprises a firm order for 16 of the 787-9 |url=https://jetlinemarvel.net/china-airlines-order-for-up-to-24-boeing-787-dreamliners/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929132713/https://jetlinemarvel.net/china-airlines-order-for-up-to-24-boeing-787-dreamliners/ |archive-date=September 29, 2022 |website=Jetline Marvel |date=September 28, 2022 |publisher=Web Archive |access-date=September 28, 2022}} On December 19, 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 10 Boeing 777-9 and 10 Airbus A350-1000 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.

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.{{cite web|url=http://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2014/06/20/talkairlines-china-airlines-initiates-boeing-747-400-retirement-process/|title=China Airlines Initiates Boeing 747-400 Retirement Process|last1=Shih|first1=Kai-Chin|website=Talkairlines|date=June 20, 2014|access-date=July 11, 2014}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cna.com.tw/news/ahel/201609300247-1.aspx|website=CNA|date=September 30, 2016 |script-title=zh:華航新空巴入列 歐洲線12月全數直飛|access-date=October 1, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/realtimenews/20170531005287-260405|website=China Times|date=May 31, 2017 |script-title=zh:末班機今飛香港 華航A340機隊6月退役|access-date=June 2, 2017}} The last of the newer Boeing 747-400 passenger fleet with the General Electric CF6 engines was retired in March 2021.{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20150519000144-260204|website=China Times|date=May 19, 2015 |script-title=zh:華航A350新機 明年Q3起見客|access-date=May 21, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.chinatimes.com/newspapers/20161001000049-260202|website=China Times|date=October 2016 |script-title=zh:新機交期延誤 華航可獲賠逾5千萬美元|access-date=October 1, 2016}}

File:05232015 China Airlines Cargo B744F B-18720 PANC NASEDIT (26935965507).jpg]]

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. In January 2022, an order for four more 777F aircraft was placed. 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.{{cite news|url=https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/118148-taiwans-china-airlines-studying-new-gen-freighters|title=Taiwan's China Airlines studying new-gen freighters|website=ch-aviation|date=August 8, 2022}} In December 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 4 777-8Fs to supplement the existing 777-200F fleet.

{{promotional|date=February 2024}}

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.{{cite web|title=Membership Benefits|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/en/member/membership-benefits/Index|website=china-airlines.com|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

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.{{cite web|title=Greater China Connection|url=http://www.greaterchinaconnection.com/|website=Greater China Connection|access-date=May 20, 2018}}

File:China Airlines TPE T1 Lounge First Class Section.JPG

File:China Airlines TPE T1 Lounge Business Class Section.JPG

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.{{cite web|title=Review of the Newly Renovated Dynasty Lounge at TPE Terminal 1|url=https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2015/01/30/talkflying-china-airlines-boeing-777-300er-premium-business-class-ci006-taipei-taoyuan-tpe-los-angeles-lax-part-i-the-newly-renovated-dynasty-lounge-at-tpe-terminal-1/|website=>talkairlines|date=January 30, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015|archive-date=January 30, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130192632/https://talkairlines.wordpress.com/2015/01/30/talkflying-china-airlines-boeing-777-300er-premium-business-class-ci006-taipei-taoyuan-tpe-los-angeles-lax-part-i-the-newly-renovated-dynasty-lounge-at-tpe-terminal-1/|url-status=dead}}

Location of Dynasty Lounges:{{cite news|script-title=zh:貴賓室 |url=https://www.china-airlines.com/us/zh/fly/at-the-airport/index|website=China Airlines|access-date=May 20, 2018|title=VIP Lounge}}

• 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

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.{{cite web|title=China Airlines and China Eastern Airlines Partner on First Greater China Region SkyTeam Exclusive Lounge at Hong Kong International Airport|date=October 27, 2015|url=http://china-airlines.com/en/news/5c131817-c6c6-48f1-bc89-bba06daecb88.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304230157/http://china-airlines.com/en/news/5c131817-c6c6-48f1-bc89-bba06daecb88.html|archive-date=March 4, 2016|website=China Airlines|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

In the United States, China Airlines operates private bus services in selected cities to transport customers between their residing location and the airport.{{Cite news | title = China Airlines releases special online promotions | newspaper = Taipei Times Supplement | page = 4 | date = August 17, 2007 | url = http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/supplement/archives/2007/08/17/2003374579 | access-date = December 25, 2008}}

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.{{cite web|title=Airport Shuttle Bus|url=https://www.china-airlines.com/us/en/fly/at-the-airport/Airport-Shuttle|website=china-airlines.com|access-date=December 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160306022345/https://www.china-airlines.com/us/en/fly/at-the-airport/Airport-Shuttle|archive-date=March 6, 2016|url-status=dead}}

Previously, the airline operated buses for travelers in San Francisco, Houston and Abu Dhabi. The San Francisco buses transported customers to and from Milpitas and Cupertino.{{cite web|url=http://www.china-airlines.com/en/promotionen/promotionen001087.htm|title=South Bay – SFO Int'l Airport Bus Service|publisher=China Airlines|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531041403/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/promotionen/promotionen001087.htm|archive-date=May 31, 2013|access-date=December 22, 2016}} The Houston bus service served Sugar Land and Southwest Houston Chinatown.{{cite web | title = Houston International Airport Bus Service | publisher = China Airlines | url = http://www.china-airlines.com/en/promotionen/promotionen000007.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070704062327/http://www.china-airlines.com/en/promotionen/promotionen000007.htm | archive-date = July 4, 2007 | access-date = December 22, 2016}}

File:B-16828 - Mandarin Airlines - Embraer ERJ-190AR - ICN (15979362864).jpg E190]]

File:Tigerair Taiwan, A320-200, B-50006 (20868745700).jpg Airbus A320]]

China Airlines has diversified into related industries and sectors, including ground handling, aviation engineering, and inflight catering.{{Cite web |last=China Airlines |date=2021 |title=China Airlines: 2021 Annual Report |url=https://www.china-airlines.com/at/en/Images/2021%20PR%20EN_tcm283-48861.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026173550/https://www.china-airlines.com/at/en/Images/2021%20PR%20EN_tcm283-48861.pdf |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |url-status=live}}

In 2022, China Airlines opened a major MRO facility at Taoyuan International Airport in a joint venture with Nordam.{{cite web |title=NORDAM opens new Taiwanese MRO shop |url=https://asianaviation.com/nordam-opens-new-taiwanese-mro-shop/ |website=asianaviation.com |date=January 26, 2022 |publisher=Asian Aviation |access-date=January 27, 2022}}

Companies with a major China Airlines Group stake include:

Between 1994 and 2002, China Airlines suffered four fatal accidents,{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/news/articles/SB118789421336906862|title=Will China Airlines' Rebound Stall?|author=Stanley|first=Bruce|date=August 24, 2007|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|access-date=December 31, 2013}} 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.{{cite news |date=June 3, 2003 |title=China Airlines back in the dock |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2007875.stm |access-date=December 31, 2013 |work=BBC News}} 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.

• January 2: Flight 227, operated by a Douglas C-47A (B-309), struck the side of {{ill|Mount Dawu|zh|大武山自然保留区}} ({{lang-zh|labels=no|c=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.{{ASN accident|title= B-309|id= 19690102-0|access-date=January 20, 2013}}

• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-156|id=19700812-1|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-1852|id=19711121-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• March 26, 1975: Douglas C-47A (B-1553) crashed at Kompong Som following a mid-air collision with a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog.{{ASN accident|title=B-1553|id=19750326-1|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title= B-1834|id= 19790911-0|access-date=January 20, 2013}}

• 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.{{citation needed|date=October 2024}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title= B-1826|id= 19800227-0|access-date=January 20, 2013}} 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){{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1983/10/16/magazine/aquino-s-final-journey.html|title=Aquino's Final Journey|first=Ken|last=Kashiwahara|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 16, 1983}} 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.{{ASN accident|title= N4522V|id=19850219-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• February 16, 1986: Flight 2265, operated by a Boeing 737-200 (B-1870), crashed {{cvt|19.3|km|mi nmi}} 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.{{ASN accident|title= B-1870|id= 19860216-0|access-date=January 20, 2013}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title= B-198 (1986)|id= 19860503-2|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title=

B-180|id=19891026-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-198 (1991)|id=19911229-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{Cite web|url=https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=19921207-0|title=ASN Aircraft accident McDonnell Douglas MD-11 B-150 Kushimoto|last=Ranter|first=Harro|website=aviation-safety.net|access-date=August 25, 2019}}
• 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).{{ASN accident|title=B-165|id=19931104-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-1816|id=19940426-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-150|id=19990822-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

• 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.{{ASN accident|title=B-18255|id=20020525-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}
• 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.{{Cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/video-china-airlines-boeing-737-800-destroyed-by-fire-216224/|title=China Airlines Boeing 737-800 destroyed by fire|date=August 20, 2007|access-date=October 22, 2011|publisher=Flight Global}} All passengers and crew were evacuated without serious injury; a ground engineer knocked over by the blast was unhurt.{{cite news |author=Wu |first=Debby |date=August 20, 2007 |title=165 Safe After Plane Explodes in Japan |url=https://www.theguardian.com/worldlatest/story/0,,-6864077,00.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071104114118/http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0%2C%2C-6864077%2C00.html |archive-date=November 4, 2007 |access-date=August 20, 2007 |newspaper=The Guardian}} The cause of the fire was attributed to a fuel tank puncture from a loose right wing slat bolt.{{Cite news|url=http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/cal-737-800-that-caught-fire-had-punctured-fuel-tank-216283/|title=CAL 737-800 that caught fire had punctured fuel tank.|last=Francis|first=Leithen|date=August 24, 2007|work=Flight Global|access-date=October 22, 2011}}{{ASN accident|title=B-18616|id=20070820-0|access-date=December 22, 2016}}

• 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.{{cite web |author1=Spocchia |first=Gino |date=7 February 2022 |title=Video shows baggage cart sucked into plane engine at Chicago O'Hare International |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/baggage-cart-video-chicago-airport-b2009268.html |access-date=6 May 2024 |website=The Independent}}

• List of airlines of Taiwan
• List of companies of Taiwan
• List of airports in Taiwan
• Transportation in Taiwan
• Air transport in Taiwan

{{reflist}}

{{refbegin}}

• {{cite book |last1=Mols |first1=Jozef |title=China Airlines: The Wings of Taiwan |series=Airlines Series, Vol. 11 |date=2023 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford, Lincs, UK |isbn=9781802823837 |url= |language=en}}

{{refend}}

{{Commons category-inline|China Airlines}}

• [http://www.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines]
• [https://cargo.china-airlines.com/ China Airlines Cargo Service]{{Dead link|date=July 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
• Ho, Jessie. "[http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2004/12/20/2003215984 China Airlines takes air safety to new levels]." Taipei Times. Monday December 24, 2004.

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