TAOYUAN- China Airlines (CI), headquartered in Taipei, is gearing up for a significant expansion in the United States with the addition of new long-haul aircraft.
The airline is currently assessing Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) as possible new routes.
With the delivery of its next-generation jets, China Airlines plans to increase flight frequencies to its existing North American hubs: New York JFK International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle International Airport (SEA). This initiative demonstrates the airline’s ambitious growth strategy amid heightened competition in trans-Pacific travel.
China Airlines Plans US Expansion
China Airlines is capitalizing on its fleet modernization strategy to enhance its long-haul network, particularly in the U.S. As of June, the SkyTeam member had secured orders for 55 aircraft, including 24 Boeing 787s, 10 Boeing 777-9s, and 10 Airbus A350-1000s.
Sixteen of these jets will replace older Airbus A330-300s, while the remainder is expected to introduce new routes and increase flight frequencies.
The airline’s president, Chen Han-Ming, confirmed during a press briefing at JFK (operating from Terminal 4) that China Airlines plans to shift to the new Terminal 1 upon its opening in June 2026.
This relocation emphasizes the carrier’s dedication to enhancing its presence on the East Coast.
In addition to JFK, the airline will expand service at other crucial U.S. hubs, particularly LAX and SEA.
The most recent expansion occurred at SEA in 2024, and the airline also serves key West Coast airports including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, China Airlines offered service to Honolulu (HNL).
Competition and Market Trends
The market for flights between the U.S. and Taiwan is experiencing notable competitive growth. Competitors such as EVA Air and Starlux Airlines are rapidly expanding their offerings.
EVA is set to commence service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this October, marking its seventh U.S. destination. Meanwhile, Starlux initiated flights to ONT in June and has plans to launch service to PHX in early 2026.
As reported by The Points Guy, these expansions are part of a broader trend of increased capacity for flights to the U.S. Data from Cirium indicates that the combined seating capacity from China Airlines, EVA, and Starlux to the U.S. will see a nearly 12% year-over-year increase.
This surge in demand is driven by the post-pandemic recovery in international travel, strengthened trade relationships, and rising tourism between Taiwan and the U.S.
Strategic Partnerships
To support its growth efforts, China Airlines is fortifying its alliances. In June, the airline announced a new interline agreement with Southwest Airlines. Starting in 2026, passengers will have the ability to connect flights between both carriers at shared gateways.
Although loyalty benefits are not included in this initial phase, it enhances domestic connectivity for China Airlines passengers arriving in the U.S.
Additionally, the airline maintains a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Through Delta’s SkyMiles program, travelers can earn and redeem points on flights operated by China Airlines, providing an extra incentive for U.S.-based frequent flyers.
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Based on an article from aviationa2z.com: https://aviationa2z.com/index.php/2025/07/09/china-airlines-eyes-3-new-us-destinations/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=china-airlines-eyes-3-new-us-destinations
