China Airlines

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Taiwan's flag carrier and a major international passenger and cargo airline.

Last updated August 21, 2026

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Overview

China Airlines, commonly abbreviated as CAL, is the flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the principal operating company of the China Airlines Group. Founded in 1959 with government ownership and a small amphibious-aircraft fleet, the airline began with charter operations before developing scheduled domestic services and then a broad international network. Its headquarters are located at CAL Park beside Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport in Taoyuan. The airline expanded substantially during the jet age. It introduced scheduled domestic service in the 1960s, began trans-Pacific operations with Boeing 707 aircraft in 1970, and adopted Boeing 747 wide-body aircraft for long-haul growth during the 1970s. The 747 enabled the carrier to serve North America and other distant markets, while later Boeing and Airbus orders supported expansion across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Oceania. China Airlines became a Taiwan Stock Exchange-listed company in 1993. Because Taiwan's diplomatic status creates constraints for aviation and brand presentation, the carrier replaced the national-flag tail design with a plum-blossom emblem in 1995. The plum blossom is associated with Taiwan's official national symbolism and allowed the airline to present a less overtly political international identity. The brand was refreshed again in 2011 when China Airlines joined SkyTeam as a full member. China Airlines operates both passenger and cargo businesses. Its passenger services cover international scheduled routes, while China Airlines Cargo manages freighter operations and the cargo capacity carried in passenger aircraft holds. The broader group includes Mandarin Airlines, which serves domestic and regional markets, and Tigerair Taiwan, a low-cost carrier that became wholly owned by the China Airlines Group after the original partnership structure changed. The group has also developed aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities through Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO). The carrier's modernisation program, known as NexGen, combined new aircraft, cabin products, lounges, uniforms and visual identity. Boeing 777-300ER and Airbus A350-900 aircraft supported the replacement of older long-haul types, while the Airbus A321neo was selected to renew the narrow-body fleet. The company also ordered Boeing 777 freighters to replace older 747 freighters. China Airlines ended its separate First Class product in 2016 as its fleet and cabin strategy shifted toward Business Class, Premium Economy and Economy offerings. Labour relations have periodically affected operations. A flight-attendant strike in 2016 was the first major strike of its kind in Taiwan's aviation sector, and a pilots' strike during the 2019 Lunar New Year period caused further cancellations. The airline has also undertaken safety and operating reforms, including broader recruitment of civilian-trained pilots, internal pilot training and changes to maintenance and operational procedures. China Airlines remains an active international airline, cargo operator and SkyTeam member, with its public identity balancing Taiwanese heritage, global connectivity and commercial aviation services.

History

China Airlines was established on 16 December 1959 with its shares held by the government of the Republic of China. Founded by retired ROC Air Force officer I Fuen, the company initially operated charter flights with two PBY amphibious aircraft. Its institutional background was connected to the earlier aviation organizations that had served China and Taiwan before and after the Chinese Civil War, although the modern airline itself dates from 1959. The carrier moved into scheduled operations during the 1960s. In October 1962, a Taipei–Hualien service became its first scheduled domestic route. Jet expansion followed, and Boeing 707 aircraft enabled China Airlines to begin trans-Pacific services to San Francisco via Tokyo on 2 February 1970. During the 1970s the airline adopted Boeing 747 aircraft, including 747-100s and 747SPs. These aircraft supported long-distance services to North America and helped the carrier reach destinations in the Middle East and Africa. In 1979, operations were transferred from Taipei Songshan Airport to the newly opened Chiang Kai-shek International Airport, now Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. China Airlines added European flying after receiving Boeing 747-200 aircraft, with Amsterdam becoming its first European destination. It later operated a round-the-world routing connecting Taipei, Anchorage, New York, Amsterdam and Dubai. In 1990, the airline received its first Boeing 747-400. Airbus wide-body aircraft and McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft were also added during the 1990s as the company expanded and competed with the newly established EVA Air. China Airlines was listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 1993. Political and diplomatic conditions shaped the brand. In 1995, the carrier replaced the national-flag tail emblem and red-white-blue livery with a plum-blossom design. The change reduced the prominence of politically sensitive national symbols and helped the airline operate in an environment where Taiwan's aviation identity was contested. Mandarin Airlines, a group affiliate, also operated some routes that China Airlines faced difficulty serving directly. China Airlines later moved its Tokyo operations from Haneda to Narita in 2002. The company also used the 1990s and early 2000s to improve safety and operational standards. After a poor safety record during part of the 1990s, it changed pilot recruitment and training practices, recruited more civilian-trained pilots, expanded its own trainee program and revised maintenance and operating procedures. These measures contributed to a stronger subsequent safety record and eventual recognition through the IATA Operational Safety Audit framework. Fleet renewal continued with Airbus A330 and A340 aircraft, Boeing 737-800s and additional Boeing 747 passenger and freighter aircraft. China Airlines signed an agreement to enter SkyTeam in 2010 and became a full member on 28 September 2011. The membership was accompanied by a refreshed logo and wordmark. From 2012, the airline participated in the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement Project, installing atmospheric-observation equipment on selected aircraft. These aircraft collected greenhouse-gas data during thousands of flights. In 2013, China Airlines announced a partnership with Tigerair Holdings to establish Tigerair Taiwan. The low-cost airline began flying in 2014 and later became wholly owned by the China Airlines Group after the partnership structure was renegotiated. The NexGen program, announced in 2014, combined fleet renewal with a redesigned customer experience. It introduced updated cabins, renovated Dynasty Lounges, new uniforms designed by William Chang and a refreshed service identity. Airbus A350-900 and Boeing 777-300ER aircraft replaced older long-haul types, while the A340-300 fleet was retired in 2017. China Airlines ended First Class service in 2016, selling remaining First Class seats as Business Class as the fleet strategy changed. The airline broadened its industrial activities through Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co., established in 2015. TAMECO was intended to serve multiple Airbus and Boeing aircraft families and to develop Taiwan's MRO capabilities. A planned facility was designed to accommodate several narrow- and wide-body aircraft simultaneously, while partnerships with Airbus and Nordam supported technical development. Labour disputes became prominent in the second half of the 2010s. A 2016 flight-attendant strike cancelled 122 flights. In February 2019, a pilots' strike over the Lunar New Year period cancelled more than 200 flights. In 2020, Taiwan's legislature encouraged consideration of a name and livery change to reduce confusion with Air China, but the proposal was not implemented. China Airlines continues to operate as Taiwan's flag carrier with passenger, cargo and aviation-services activities under the China Airlines Group.

2019
Airbus A321neo and Boeing 777F plans announced
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The airline announces narrow-body A321neo acquisitions and leases together with Boeing 777 freighter orders and options.
2017
Airbus A340 fleet is retired
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The A340-300 fleet is fully retired as part of the NexGen fleet-renewal program.
2016
First Class is discontinued
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The airline ends its separate First Class offering as its modern fleet and cabin strategy develop.
2015
TAMECO is established
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
China Airlines creates Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering to develop aircraft MRO capabilities.
2014
Tigerair Taiwan launches
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The group establishes Tigerair Taiwan with Singapore-based Tigerair Holdings; the airline begins operations later that year.
2011
SkyTeam membership begins
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
China Airlines becomes a full SkyTeam member and refreshes its visual identity.
1995
Plum-blossom branding introduced
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The airline replaces its former national-flag tail design with the plum-blossom emblem and a new livery.
1993
Listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
China Airlines becomes a publicly listed company in Taiwan.
1990
First Boeing 747-400 delivered
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
China Airlines receives its first 747-400, strengthening its long-haul fleet.
1976
Boeing 747 wide-body expansion
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The carrier introduces Boeing 747 aircraft to support long-haul growth.
1970
Trans-Pacific jet service begins
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
China Airlines starts service to San Francisco using Boeing 707 aircraft, routing through Tokyo.
1962
First scheduled domestic route
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
A Taipei–Hualien service becomes the airline's first scheduled domestic operation.
1959
China Airlines is established
[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
The airline is founded on 16 December with government ownership and begins with charter operations.

Products and positioning

Taiwan's globally connected flag carrier, combining international passenger services, air cargo, Taiwanese cultural identity and group aviation businesses.

Scheduled passenger airline · 1962
Passenger air services
China Airlines operates scheduled international passenger services from Taiwan to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, Oceania and other long-haul markets. Its passenger proposition includes multiple cabin classes, airport lounges and connecting itineraries through the SkyTeam network. Fleet renewal under the NexGen program introduced newer Airbus and Boeing aircraft with redesigned cabins and service environments.
Air cargo
China Airlines Cargo
China Airlines Cargo manages dedicated freighter operations and the cargo capacity available in the passenger fleet's lower decks. The business is part of SkyTeam Cargo and has historically used Boeing 747 freighters, with Boeing 777 freighters selected for future fleet renewal. It serves the international movement of freight through the airline's network.
Customer experience · 2014
NexGen cabin and service program
NexGen is China Airlines' modernization program for aircraft, cabins, uniforms, lounges and brand presentation. It introduced updated cabin interiors on newer aircraft, redesigned Dynasty Lounges at Taoyuan International Airport and new uniforms designed by William Chang. The program was intended to combine contemporary international service with visual references to Taiwanese and wider East Asian design culture.
Aviation engineering · 2015
Aircraft MRO services
Through Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co., China Airlines developed maintenance, repair and overhaul capabilities for Airbus and Boeing aircraft families. The initiative targets both group fleet requirements and the broader MRO market, with technical cooperation involving Airbus and a planned Nordam repair capability in Asia.

Controversies

2021
China Airlines fined for COVID-19 rule violations
Taiwan's Civil Aeronautics Administration fined China Airlines NT$1 million after crew members were placed in a hotel that was not designated as a quarantine facility. The article reports the fine in connection with violations of government COVID-19 prevention measures.
Source

2014NexGen
Taiwan · International
A broad brand and product-modernization campaign covering fleet replacement, cabin design, lounge renovation, uniforms and service presentation.
Outcome. New aircraft, cabins, lounges and uniforms were introduced in stages.
Source
2012Official Airline for Climate Monitoring
International
Selected aircraft carried atmospheric-observation equipment for the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement Project and one aircraft received a special climate-monitoring livery.
Outcome. The participating aircraft collected greenhouse-gas measurements over thousands of flights.
Source
1995Plum-blossom rebrand
International
China Airlines replaced its former national-flag livery with a plum-blossom emblem and a revised aircraft design.
Outcome. The airline adopted a less overtly political international visual identity.
Source

Brand decisions

2019
Order Airbus A321neo and Boeing 777F aircraftGeneration change
Background
Older Boeing 737-800 and 747-400F aircraft required replacement as the airline modernized its fleet.
Action taken
China Airlines announced a combination of leased and purchased A321neo aircraft, together with Boeing 777 freighter orders and options.
Aftermath
The plan established the intended next generation of narrow-body passenger and wide-body cargo aircraft.
Source
2014
Create Tigerair TaiwanStrategy
Background
China Airlines sought a low-cost platform for price-sensitive regional travel.
Action taken
The group formed Tigerair Taiwan with Tigerair Holdings, later taking full ownership of the low-cost carrier.
Aftermath
Tigerair Taiwan became a wholly owned China Airlines Group airline.
Source
2011
Join SkyTeamStrategy
Background
The airline sought broader international connectivity and alliance participation.
Action taken
China Airlines completed the process of joining SkyTeam as a full member.
Aftermath
The carrier became the first Taiwanese airline to join a major global airline alliance and refreshed its logo and wordmark.
Source
1995
Replace the national-flag liveryStrategy
Background
Taiwan's political and diplomatic status created operational and branding sensitivities for its flag carrier.
Action taken
China Airlines introduced a plum-blossom logo and removed the national flag from the aircraft tail design.
Aftermath
The plum-blossom identity became the airline's principal international brand symbol.
Source

Recent events

2020
Taiwan legislature advances proposal to rename China Airlines[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
Regulation · Other
The Legislative Yuan passed a resolution asking the government to consider renaming the airline and changing its livery because of recurring confusion with Air China. The proposal was not implemented and the plans were subsequently put on hold.
2019
China Airlines pilots begin Lunar New Year strike[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
Other
More than 600 pilots participated in a seven-day strike during the Lunar New Year travel period, leading to the cancellation of more than 200 flights.
2016
China Airlines flight-attendant strike cancels passenger flights[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
Other
The Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union conducted a day-long strike, resulting in the cancellation of 122 passenger flights and marking a significant labour dispute in Taiwan's aviation industry.
2011
China Airlines joins SkyTeam[1]China Airlinesen.wikipedia.org
Other
China Airlines became a full member of SkyTeam, becoming the first Taiwanese airline to join a major global airline alliance.

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