China Airlines

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Not to be confused with Air China or China National Aviation Corporation.

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"China Airlines Cargo" redirects here. For the similarly-named airline in the People's Republic of China, see China Cargo Airlines.
China Airlines Co., Ltd.
中華航空股份有限公司
China Airlines.png
IATA ICAO Callsign
CI CAL DYNASTY
Founded 16 December 1959
Hubs
Focus cities
Frequent-flyer program Dynasty Flyer
Airport lounge
Alliance SkyTeam
Subsidiaries Mandarin Airlines (93.99%) Tigerair Taiwan (80%)
Fleet size 81
Destinations 118
Company slogan Journey with a caring smile
Parent company China Airlines Group
Headquarters CAL Park, Dayuan, Taoyuan City, Taiwan
Key people
Revenue Increase NTD139.726 billion (2014)[3]
Operating income Increase NTD 1.871 billion (2014)[3]
Net income Increase NTD -0.751 billion (2014)[3]
Total assets Increase NTD 217.905 billion (2014)[3]
Total equity Decrease NTD 48.670 billion (2014)[3]
Employees 12,080[3]
Website www.china-airlines.com
China Airlines Co., Ltd.
Traditional Chinese 中華航空股份有限公司
Simplified Chinese 中华航空股份有限公司

China Airlines (CAL) (Chinese: 中華航空; pinyin: Zhōnghuá Hángkōng) (TWSE: 2610) is the flag carrier and largest airline of the Republic of China (Taiwan). It is headquartered in Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and has 12,080 regular employees.[4] China Airlines operates over 1,400 flights weekly to 118 airports in 115 cities (including codeshare) across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania.[5] The cargo division operates 91 pure freighter flights weekly to 33 destinations.[6] The carrier was, in 2013, the 29th and 10th largest airline in the world in terms of passenger revenue per kilometer (RPK) and freight RPK, respectively.[3] China Airlines has three airline subsidiaries: Mandarin Airlines operates flights to domestic and low-demand regional destinations; China Airlines Cargo operates a fleet of freighter aircraft and manages its parent airline's cargo-hold capacity; Tigerair Taiwan is a low-cost carrier established by China Airlines and Singaporean airline group Tigerair Holdings.[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 December 16, 1959,[8] with its shares completely held by the Republic of China 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.[9] Later, with the introduction of Caravelle and Boeing 727-100s,the airlines introduced international flights to South Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.[9] With the airlines' 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]

The China Airlines Taipei Branch Office and the former China Airlines headquarters in Songshan District, Taipei

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 small downtown Songshan International Airport to the newly built Chiang Kai-shek International Airport (current Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport). Following the introduction of 747-200s, the airlines introduced its first European destination, Amsterdam.

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. Oddly enough, 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.

Change of logo and livery (1995-2010)

A Boeing 747-200 in CAL's initial livery, with the ROC flag

As the flag carrier for the Republic of China, China Airlines has been affected by disputes over the political status of Taiwan, and under pressure from the People's Republic of China was barred from flying into a number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the PRC. 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,[9] 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.[citation needed] Plum blossom (Prunus mume) is the National Flower of the Republic of China.

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 MD-11 at Taoyuan International Airport in 2001.

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 Boeing 777-300ER

China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining the SkyTeam airline alliance on September 14, 2010[11][12] and officially became a full member on September 28, 2011.[13] 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 to establish Tigerair Taiwan. The new airline flew its inaugural flight to Singapore on 26 September 2014 and became the first low-cost carrier in Taiwan. China Airlines Group currently holds a 90 percent share in the new carrier (China Airlines 80%, Mandarin Airlines 10%), while Tigerair Holdings holds the other 10 percent.[7]

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

The first phase of the plan has been rolled out following the delivery of China Airlines' first Boeing 777-300ER and the renovation of the carrier's lounge at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1. In June 2015, the William Chang-designed new uniforms debuted; in August 2015, the flight attendants started appearing in the new uniforms.[15] Future phases of the plan includes the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-300, announcement of new narrow-body orders, and new cabin designs on the Airbus A350-900XWB. Following the retirement of 747s from North American routes, China Airlines has terminated its First Class services. First Class seats are now marketed as Business Class ones.[14]

In January 2015, China Airlines established Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO), an airline maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) company which will start operations in June 2017. TAMECO will focus on Boeing 777, 737 and Airbus A350, A320 fuselage maintenance.[16]

Headquarters

CAL Park, headquarters for the company

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See also: CAL Park

China Airlines has its headquarters, CAL Park (Chinese: 華航園區; pinyin: Huáháng Yuánqū[17]), 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.[18]

Previously China Airlines had its headquarters in Songshan District, Taipei.[19][20] Previously China Airlines had operations at its headquarters, facilities on the east side of Taipei Songshan Airport, and at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The airline consolidated all of those functions in its new headquarters site. The airline will rent space in the six floors making up its former headquarters to tenants. The monthly rent will be $2,000 New Taiwan Dollars per ping. In September 2009 the airline estimated that it would make $7 million NTW in monthly rental income. Han Liang-zhong, a China Airlines vice president, said that the rental income would cover the bank loans that the airline borrowed to finance the construction of the CAL Park.[21] As a result of the headquarters move, China Airlines will develop part of the training center at Taipei Songshan Airport into a business aviation center.[22] The airline's Taipei Branch Office (Chinese: 台北分公司; pinyin: Táiběi Fēngōngsī[23]) remains at the former headquarters site.[24]

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, China Airlines used to have a livery featuring the flag of the Republic of China on the tail. The carrier changed its livery due to political pressure from the Chinese government. The mainland government prohibited any aircraft flying with the Republic of China Flag displayed to land in the mainland, Hong Kong and Macau. It also pressured other countries to carry out similar bans. This forced China Airlines to change its corporate identity in order to avoid having operations affected.

In 2011, after joining Skyteam, the carrier made alterations to its logo in hopes of refreshing its 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.[25]

China Airlines has had many uniforms since its establishment in 1959. The current uniform was introduced in 2015 to celebrate the carrier entering a "NexGen" Next Generation Era. Designed by Hong Kong-based costume designer William Chang, the new uniforms are now worn by flight attendants. Ground staff will start wearing the uniforms in September 2015.[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
  China Airlines destinations (some served by passenger and cargo flights)
  China Airlines pure Cargo destinations

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Further information: China Airlines destinations

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.[26]

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. 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.[27]

The expansion of China Airlines international presence has long been limited by the political status of Taiwan. Currently, the carrier is still unable to offer flights to destinations such as Paris. Flights to Mainland China were also 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 China and the first carrier to legally fly between the two areas.[28] 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. Since then, China has quickly become the second largest market for China Airlines, with over 130 flights to 33 destinations across the Mainland.[29]

Route Plans

Over the period between 2011 and 2015, China Airlines focused on strengthening its regional network; from 2015 to 2020, the carrier will start expanding its European, North American and Oceanian network with the new long-haul fleet.[3]

Regarding the long-haul network, China Airlines has replaced the Boeing 747-400 with Boeing 777 on all passenger flights to Frankfurt, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco. In the future, all European destinations (excluding Frankfurt) will be flown nonstop with the Airbus A350 XWB, affecting the existing Amsterdam services via Bangkok and Rome services via Delhi. Services to Oceania and Hawaii are also likely to be flown by the A350. Terminated routes, such as those to Seattle, Houston and London, may be relaunched with the A350.[30]

China Airlines is evaluating a new Canadian destination, which will likely be Calgary or Toronto.[31] It is also planning on starting regular flights to cities, including Niigata, Niigata and Hanamaki, Iwate, in the Tohoku region.[32][33] Cross-strait flight distributions are also important to the company. Flight rights to Jieyang and Yangzhou have been granted to China Airlines by the civil aviation administration of Taiwan in 2015.[34][35]

The carrier is considering increasing the frequencies of its North American, Beijing and Shanghai routes utilizing the Boeing 747-400 fleet, which may be having its retirement plan postponed due to falling oil prices.[33]

Codeshare agreements

China Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

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In addition, China Airlines has a codeshare agreement with Deutsche Bahn (DB). Under the agreement, China Airlines places its CI code on seven Frankfurt-initiating DB routes, including those to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Nuremberg, and Stuttgart

Fleet

Current Fleet

China Airlines Fleet
Airbus A330-300
Airbus A340-300
Boeing 737-800
Boeing 747-400
Boeing 777-300ER
Boeing 747-400F

China Airlines owns and leases a total of 90 aircraft with an average age of 10 years (as of October 2015). Of the fleet, 81 are in service while 9 are stored.[8][38]

China Airlines Mainline Fleet
Aircraft In service Orders Stored Passengers Notes
C W S Y Total
Airbus A330-300 24 12 — — 36 — — 277 313 Regional cabin
12 30 307 Long-haul cabin
Airbus A340-300 4 2 30 0 0 246 276 To be phased out
To be replaced by Airbus A350-900
Airbus A350-900 — 14 — 32 31 243 306 EIS: 4 in 2016, 6 in 2017, 4 in 2018
Boeing 737-800 18 16 — — 8 — — 150 158
2 156 164
Boeing 747-400 9
4 — — 61 — — 314 375 Older aircraft to be phased out
To be replaced by 777-300ER
3 319 380
2 4 70 319 389
Boeing 777-300ER 8 2 — 40 62 30 226 358 EIS: 2 in 2016
China Airlines Cargo Fleet
Boeing 747-400F 18 — 3
N/A
 —
Total 81 16 9

Renewal plans

In 2008, China Airlines firmed up an order for 14 Airbus A350-900 aircraft along with another 6 options.[39] 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 will be replacements of the carrier's Airbus A340-300 and Boeing 747-400 on intercontinental routes. Deliveries of the Airbus A350-900 will start in July 2016 while those for the Boeing 777-300ER started in 2014.[30][40]

Regarding the narrow-body fleet, in January 2015, the airline's president Sun Hung-Hsiang announced that the airline is planning on ordering 50 narrow-body aircraft for itself and its subsidiaries Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan. Types in consideration includes the Boeing 737MAX and Airbus A320neo.[34] However, due to drastic market changes, Sun announced in October 2015 that the type and size of the new narrow-body fleet will be reconsidered. The new order will be announced as early as 2016.[41]

The airline has been leasing various Airbus A330-300s and Boeing 737-800s to meet short term demands.[40] Of the wet-leased planes, one 737 has been dry-leased to subsidiary Mandarin Airlines and is wearing a hybrid livery, with the Mandarin Airlines livery on the fuselage and the China Airlines livery on the winglets. One more 737 will be leased to Mandarin Airlines in 2016.[41]

Retirement plans

In June 2014, China Airlines announced plans to retire all of its Boeing 747-400 and Airbus A340-300. Since December 2014, the company has stored four Boeing 747-400, namely N168CL, B-18201, B-18202, and B-18251, at an aircraft boneyard at Victorville Airport. As for the A340 fleet, two aircraft, in particular B-18801 and B-18802, were sent to Victorville for storage in 2015.[3][42] All stored passenger aircraft are to be sold eventually. The carrier will complete the sale of 2 Boeing 747-400 and 1 Airbus A340-300 during Q3 2015.[43]

However, due to falling oil prices, the carrier has updated the plans and decided to only retire the 747s produced before 1998. The 4 newer 747s (delivered between 2004 and 2005) will be kept to operate flights to slot-restricted high demand airports, such as those of Beijing and Shanghai as well as seasonal flights between December and February to Auckland via Brisbane..[44]

As for subsidiary Mandarin Airlines, China Airlines announced that two ERJ190s will be retired and replaced by two new Boeing 737-800s.[41]

Cargo fleet plans

China Airlines Cargo is the freight division of China Airlines. It 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, it has been suffering from falling freight demands and has stored 3 Boeing 747-400Fs at Victorville Airport.[45] In early 2015, due to improving global economic conditions, the carrier decided to reactivate 1 stored freighter plane. However, as demand has once again decreased, the plan has been put on hold.[32]

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.[46] Currently, China Airlines has a total of 5 special livery aircraft in service.

Taiwanese culture and creativity series

'Welcome To Taiwan' B-18355

In 2013, China Airlines revealed plans to paint up to 20 Taiwan-themed special livery aircraft. The carrier will collaborate with Taiwanese artists, cultural workers, and tourism bureaus to design the special liveries.[47]

Planes part of the series are listed below:

Plane once part of the series is listed below:

Skyteam alliance livery

Skyteam B-18311 & B-18206

China Airlines has one single aircraft, listed below, painted in the Skyteam alliance livery:

Plane once part of the series is listed below:

  • B-18206 (Boeing 747-400) - Was sole Boeing 747 wearing the Skyteam livery

Other existing special liveries

Other removed special liveries

China Airlines x Boeing B-18210

50 years anniversary series

In 2009, China Airlines decorated one plane of each of its plane type with the 50 years anniversary logo. All planes of the series are now wearing the regular corporate livery or another special livery.

Planes once part of the series are listed below:

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 the to-be-delivered Airbus A350-900.[30] 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 a 18-inch multiple-touch screen with touchscreen-control. Turndown service is offered by cabin crew upon request while the self-service galley bar, Sky Lounge, offers snacks, instant noodles and drinks for passengers during in-flight.[49]

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 seven three-class 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.[50]

Recliner and angle-flat seats

On the long haul Airbus A330-300s, there are 36 shell seats with 63" of pitch and 166° of recline; on the short haul A330s, there are 30 shell seats with 52" of pitch and 140° of recline. On Airbus A340-300s, there are 30 recliner-style seats with 60" inches of pitch and 150° 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, while those without First Class have 70. All seats offer 60" of pitch and in-seat power. The recliner seats of the 375-seat 747s have 140° of recline and 10.4" IFE displays, while the shelled angled-lie-flat seats of the refurbished 380 and 389-seat 747s have 160° of recline and 15" IFE displays. 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 the future 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.[49]

On the Taipei - Vancouver route, the deployed Boeing 747-400 also offers Premium Economy Class product. It utilizes the existing recliner Business Class seats and allows passengers to pay lower fares for better hardware facilities.[51]

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.

Family Couch

Family Couch is featured on long haul flights operated by the Boeing 777-300ER and the future Airbus A350-900XWB.[30] It is a set of three Economy class seats in the first 10 rows on the right of the Economy Class cabin and can be easily converted into a large surface area. By booking three adjacent Family Couch seats on long-haul flights, passengers can lie flat on their backs.[49][52]

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.

Sky Lounge

China Airlines Boeing 777-300ER Sky Lounge

The Boeing 777-300ER 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.[49] There will be a lounge installed in the Airbus A350-900 Premium Business Class as well.[30]

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.[49]

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.[53]

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 the upcoming 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.[30][49]

In-flight magazines

China Airlines In-flight Magazines

China Airlines publishes a total of 3 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 being offered.

Sky Boutique is China Airlines' duty-free catalogue.

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. All elite memberships last two years and soft landings are available.[54]

Dynasty Lounges

China Airlines' airline lounges are called Dynasty Lounge and Dynasty Supreme Lounge. There are a total of 9 China Airlines lounges at 7 different airports. Lounge services at other China Airlines destinations are offered by Skyteam, partner airlines, or local operators.

Dynasty Supreme Lounge

The Dynasty Supreme Lounge is exclusive for Dynasty Flyer Emerald and Paragon card holders. Currently, there is only one Dynasty Supreme Lounge, located in Terminal 2 at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. The lounge features 65 seats, suites in different sizes, and shower rooms. Dining services and computers are offered while Wi-Fi is available throughout the lounge.[55]

Dynasty Lounge

TPE T1 Lounge Exclusive Area
TPE T1 Lounge Business Class Area

The 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.[56]

Location of Dynasty Lounges are listed below

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.[57]

Private bus services in the United States

In the United States, China Airlines operates private bus services from airports with China Airlines flights to areas.[58]

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, Center City Philadelphia, and South Philadelphia

The airline operates a bus to San Francisco International Airport from Milpitas and Cupertino in California.[59] The airline operates a bus to Los Angeles International Airport from Monterey Park and the Rowland Heights area of unincorporated Los Angeles County in California.[60]

Previously the airline operated free buses in Houston, Texas and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.[58] The Houston bus service served Sugar Land and the Houston Chinatown.[61] It ended in 2008 when China Airlines ended its Houston service.[62]

Technological initiatives

China Airlines launched more methods to check in for flights. Among them were self-check in utilizing a kiosk at Taoyuan Airport and other selected destinations. China Airlines also offers check-in via mobile phone. Passengers can use the "CI Mobile" application to check flight arrivals and departures and check in for their flights.[63]

China Airlines Cargo, the cargo division of the airline, was the first airline operating out of Taipei to fully switch to e-air waybill, a method that eliminates the need for all paper documents when issuing air waybills, and one of the nine countries/territories and airlines (include both the airline and Taiwan) selected by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to run the e-AWB pilot programme. The airline also allows customers to track freight and flights on their smartphones through the "CAL Cargo" application.[64]

Subsidiaries and associates

Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. China Airlines has diversified into related industries and sectors, including ground handling, aviation engineering, inflight catering.

Companies with major China Airlines Group stake include:

Company Type Principal activities Incorporated in Group's Equity Shareholding
Cal-Asia Investment Inc. Subsidiary Holding Company British Virgin Islands 100%
CAL Park Subsidiary Headquarters Taiwan 100%
China Aircraft Services Limited Joint Venture Maintenance Company Hong Kong 20%
China Pacific Catering Services Limited Subsidiary Catering services Taiwan 51%
China Pacific Laundry Services Limited Subsidiary Laundry Taiwan 55%
Dynasty Holidays Subsidiary Travel agency Taiwan 51%
Global Sky Express Limited Joint Venture Cargo Loading Taiwan 25%
Hua Hsia Company Limited Subsidiary Laundry Taiwan 100%
Mandarin Airlines Subsidiary Airline Taiwan 93.99%
Taiwan Air Cargo Terminals Limited Subsidiary Cargo Loading Taiwan 54%
Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO) Subsidiary MRO Company Taiwan 100%
Taoyuan International Airport Services Limited Subsidiary Ground handling Taiwan 49%
Tigerair Taiwan Joint Venture Low-cost carrier Taiwan 80%

Incidents and accidents

Between 1994 and 2002, China Airlines suffered 4 fatal accidents,[65] 3 of which each resulted in over 200 deaths. The accidents contributed to the airline having a poor reputation for safety, partly blamed on an air force-influenced pilot culture.[66] 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.[65]

  • 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.[67]
  • 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.
  • 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.[68]
  • On 24 March 1975, Douglas C-47A B-1553 crashed at Kompong Cham following a mid-air collision with a Cessna L-19 Bird Dog.[69]
  • On 11 September 1979, Boeing 707-320C, registration B-1834, crashed off Chiang Kai-shek International Airport shortly after takeoff during a training flight, killing all six crew on board.[70]
  • 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.[71]
  • On 21 August 1983, Flight 811, a Boeing 767-200 from Taipei, landed in Manila International Airport. Benigno Aquino Jr. the former senator in Philippines was assassinated after being escorted from the plane.
  • On 19 February 1985, Flight 006, a Boeing 747SP, performed an uncontrolled descent over the Pacific Ocean resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.
  • 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.[72]
  • On 3 May 1986, Flight 334, a Boeing 747-200F, was hijacked by its pilot, who landed the plane in Guangzhou, China where he defected. The ROC government sent a delegation to discuss with their mainland counterpart regards the return of the plane and 2 remaining crew.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.[73] 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.[74] 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.[75]

See also

References

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