China Airlines (CAL; Chinese: 中華航空; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Hángkōng; Pe̍h-ōe-jī: Tiong-hôa Hâng-khong) is the state-owned flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is one of Taiwan's three major airlines, along with EVA Air and Starlux Airlines. It is headquartered in Taoyuan International Airport and operates over 1,400 flights weekly – including 91 pure cargo flights – to 102 cities across Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania. Carrying nearly 20 million passengers and 5700 tons of cargo in 2017, the carrier was the 33rd largest airline in the world in terms of revenue passenger kilometers and 10th largest in terms of freight revenue ton kilometers.
China Airlines is owned by the China Airlines Group, which is headquartered at CAL Park and also operates China Airlines Cargo, a member of SkyTeam Cargo, which operates a fleet of freighter aircraft and manages its parent airline's cargo-hold capacity. Its sister airlines include Mandarin Airlines, which operates flights to domestic and low-demand regional destinations, and Tigerair Taiwan, which is a low-cost carrier established by China Airlines and Singaporean airline group Tigerair Holdings but is now wholly owned by the China Airlines Group.
History
Formation and early years (1959–1970)
Taiwan's airlines can trace its origins to Japan Air Transport and later, Imperial Japanese Airways, which served Taiwan during colonial rule by Japan. These airlines served the cities of Taihoku, Taichu, Tainan, and Takao.
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. It was founded by I Fuen, a retired ROC Air Force officer, and initially concentrated on charter flights. The roots of this airline can be traced to 1929 when the Nationalist government formed China National Aviation Corporation that served as a major airline of the country until the Chinese Communist Party took over Mainland China and nationalized its operations in 1949 which then absorbed the CNAC into the People's Aviation Company of China in 1952.
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. With the airline's first two Boeing 707 aircraft, trans-Pacific flights to San Francisco via Tokyo were initiated on February 2, 1970.
International expansion (1970–1995)
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. 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.
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. 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).
On February 8, 1990, China Airlines received the first of its initial five Boeing 747-400s (B-161). 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.
Change of logo and livery (1995–2010)
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, 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. 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).
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).
China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining airline alliance SkyTeam on September 14, 2010 and officially became a full member on September 28, 2011. This was marked by an update to the logo of the airline and the typeface in which "China Airlines" is printed. The carrier was the first Taiwanese airline to join an airline alliance.
2012–present
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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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.
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. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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. The name change plans were on hold since 2022.
Headquarters
China Airlines has its headquarters, CAL Park (Chinese: 華航園區; pinyin: Huáháng Yuánqū), 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.
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. 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.
Branding
Livery and uniforms
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."
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.
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.
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 its 47th anniversary. China Airlines' slogans have been as follows:
We treasure every encounter (1987–1995)
We blossom everyday (1995–2006)
Journey with a caring smile (2006)
Expect The Coming Greatness (approximately 2016), a slogan featured on marketing material distributed at the San Francisco Orchid Society's Pacific Orchid Expedition, of which China Airlines was a sponsor. The marketing material also referenced "China Airlines presents newly retrofitted Boeing 747-400."
Name issues
The name China Airlines reflects Taiwan's official name, the Republic of China. 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.
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. Currently, China Airlines has a total of 5 special livery aircraft in service.
Planes currently carrying hybrid liveries:
B-18007 (Boeing 777-300ER) – World's first co-branded Boeing 777 (a variation of the Blue Whale theme previously worn by B-18210 (Boeing 747-400)
B-18918 (Airbus A350-900) – First aircraft in the world to use an Airbus co-branded livery
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
Skyteam alliance livery
China Airlines has two aircraft painted in the SkyTeam alliance livery:
B-18311 (Airbus A330-300) – Previously wore the "Sweet Fruit" livery
Plane once part of the series:
B-18206 (Boeing 747-400) – First Boeing 747 to wear the SkyTeam livery
B-18211 (Boeing 747-400)
Pokémon Jet
China Airlines unveiled the first Pokémon Jet in Taiwan as a part of "Pokémon Air Adventures", a collaboration project with The Pokémon Company. The aircraft is a Airbus A321neo dubbed "Pikachu Jet CI", in which Pikachu (a popular Pokémon representing the franchise) is prominently featured. The jet will have Pokémon themed check in tickets, in-flight items, and merchandise.
Planes currently part of the series:
B-18101 (Airbus A321neo) – "Pikachu Jet CI1", Featuring Pikachu (main character), Shaymin, Swablu, Togekiss, Munna, Jigglypuff, Snorlax, Slowpoke and Teddiursa
B-18916 (Airbus A350-900) – "Pikachu Jet CI2", Featuring Pikachu (main character), and the 13 Pokemon Characters
Zootopia 2 Jet
China Airlines unveiled a Zootopia 2-themed Boeing 777-300ER in November 2025, debuting on a Taipei to Los Angeles run on November 19th. Other regular destinations for this livery include Ontario (CA), Tokyo-Narita, Osaka, Shanghai, and Bangkok.