Airline Chronological History
The early beginnings of China Airlines remotes to 1959, when it was founded on the 7 of September the same year. The airline started with a fleet of two PBY Amphibians, and started operations on 16 December 1959. It was controlled 100% by the Taiwan government, initially concentrated on charter flights.
The Consolidated Catalina (B-1501) was one of the first aircraft of the early China Airlines fleet. (Photo:chineseaircraft.net) 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. Later, with the introduction of Caravelle and Boeing 727-100s, the airlines introduced international flights to South Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan.
The first jets were the Caravelle from 1961. (Photo: airliners.net) 
In 1962, the Boeing 727-100 joined the fleet. (Photo:airliners.net) With the airlines' first two Boeing 707 aircraft, trans-Pacific flights to San Francisco via Tokyo were initiated on 2 February 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).
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 in 1976 and immediately placed them on its Hong Kong-Taipei-Tokyo-Honolulu-Los Angeles route. Shortly thereafter, four brand new Boeing 747SPs 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. During 1976, the Boeing 737-200 also joined the fleet.
In 1979, the airlines 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 airlines introduced its first European destination, Amsterdam.
With the arrival of the 707 in 1969, the airline expanded to the USA via Japan. (Photo:airliners.net) 
The first Jumbo was introduced in 1976, using it on the routes to Hong Kong-Taipei-Tokyo-Honolulu-Los Angeles. (Photo:planespotters.net) In 1978, Japan allowed China Airlines to return to Tokyo 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. As well, the crossing of flag carriers (Taiwan based-airlines and Mainland China PRC based-airlines) occurred almost hourly at then British-controlled Hong Kong's Kai Tak International Airport. Adversely.
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). In 1985 it took delivery of the first of Airbus aircraft, the A300, which it went on to operate 20 examples during the 1980's till 2008. As well, in 1992 China Airlines took delivery of the first McDonnell Douglas MD-11 which it operated for 10 years, used on the airlines long haul routes.
In 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 747-400s and an earlier order with Airbus for over a dozen A300B4 wide body regional jets allowed for addition destination growth.
Airbus A300's joined China Airlines from 1985. (Photo:planespotters.net) 
The MD-11 was used during 10 years from 1992 to 2002. (Photo:jetphotos.com) As Republic of China (Taiwan)'s flag carrier, China Airlines was been affected by disputes over the political status of the island of Taiwan was barred from flying into a number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China ("China"). As a result, in the mid-1990s, China Airlines subsidiary Mandarin Airlines took over some of its Sydney and Vancouver international routes.
In 1995 China Airlines unveiled its "plum blossom" logo, replacing the national flag, which had previously appeared on the tail fins , and the aircraft livery from the red-white-blue national colours. The plum blossom is Taiwan'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.
China Airlines decided to upgrade its livery and logo showcasing the plum blossom, characteristic of Taiwan. (Photo:planespotters.net) 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 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. 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.
From the mid 1990's the B747-400 was the workhorse of the fleet flying non stop to the USA and Europe. (Photo:airplane-pictures.net) 
The long haul Airbus A340-300 served China Airlines well from 2001 to 2017. (Photo:planespotters.net) 
The Airbus A330 was another addition to the fleet in the 1990's. (Photo:airplane-pictures.net) China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joining the SkyTeam airline alliance on 14 September 2010 and officially became a full member on 28 September 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.
In December 2013, China Airlines announced its new joint venture with Singaporean low-cost carrier to establish Tigerair Taiwan. The new airline flew its inaugural flight to Singapore on 26 September 2014 and became the first, and currently only, Taiwanese low-cost carrier.
In March 2014, China Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER. At this time it also embarked into a strategic plan to expand and improve its services and image. The plan, designed to refresh the brand image of the carrier, included product innovations, new uniforms, and fleet replacements. 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).
Over the period between 2011 and 2015, China Airlines focused on strengthening its regional network; starting 2015 until 2020, the carrier was strengthening and expanding its European, North American and Oceanian network with the new long-haul fleet. Regarding its regional network, China Airlines actively was adding frequencies to Southeast Asia. However, services to the mainland were being downsized due to tense cross-strait relations.
With the arrival of the Boeing 777-300ER in 2014, China Airlines embarked itself in a big expansion and improvement programme. (Photo:airplane-pictures.net) In September 2016, China Airlines received its first Airbus A350-900XWB, featuring the second version of NexGen China Airlines cabin design. China Airlines placed firm orders for 14 Airbus A350-900XWB aircraft, and these replaced the Airbus A340-300s in use. In June 2017, the final Airbus A340-300 was retired. Future phases of the plan included the retirement of the Boeing 747-400 after the announcement of new narrow-body and regional wide-body orders. Additionally, following the retirement of 747s from long-haul routes, China Airlines terminated First Class services.
In December 2017, after upgrading all its European routes to nonstop services, China Airlines launched service to London Gatwick Airport.
China Airlines received its first A350 in 2016. (Photo:airplane-pictures.net) 
The final Airbus Airbus A340-300 passenger service took place on 1 October 2017. (Photo: planespotters.net) In America, daily flights were launched between Taipei and Ontario International Airport in Greater Los Angeles in March 2018. Additionally, the carrier has expressed interests in launching European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, and Prague; in North America, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Seattle and Toronto were under consideration.
In March 2018, China Airlines begun daily scheduled service on Taipei Taoyuan – Ontario route, operated by Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.
In 2018, China Airlines received several Airbus A321neo aircraft to strengthen its medium-haul regional network, enhancing operational efficiency for routes across East Asia and Southeast Asia. The airline’s modernization program was designed not only to replace aging 747-400s but also to reduce operational costs and environmental impact, reflecting broader industry trends toward sustainability.
In 2018, China Airlines received several Airbus A321neo to strengthen its medium-haul regional network. (Photo: planespotters.net) During 2018 and 2019, China Airlines actively expanded its route network. The airline launched new services to cities in North America, including additional frequencies to Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Vancouver. In Asia, it added routes to Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh, as well as enhanced services to Japan and South Korea. Additionally, China Airlines strategically increased its cargo operations on key routes, capitalizing on Taiwan’s position as a major hub for high-tech manufacturing exports.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020 had a profound impact on China Airlines, as with all carriers globally. Passenger demand plummeted due to travel restrictions, quarantine measures, and overall declines in international travel.
In response, China Airlines temporarily suspended multiple routes and reduced frequencies on existing services. However, the airline pivoted quickly to focus on cargo operations, which became a lifeline during this period. The airline expanded cargo flights extensively, operating special passenger-to-cargo conversions, particularly using its Boeing 777 freighter aircraft and temporarily retrofitted passenger planes to meet the surge in demand for medical supplies, electronics, and perishable goods.
Because of the COVID19 pandemic, the airline reduced drastically its passenger services but then focussed its attention on the cargo flights which helped the airline maintain vital supplies. (Photo: Jetphotos.com) In the Summer of 2020, during the pandemic, the airline seized the opportunity to upgrade its London flights and so it switched from operating to Gatwick (LGW) back to Heathrow (LHR) where it did operated originally.
During the pandemic, China Airlines also accelerated its fleet renewal strategy. The airline retired older Boeing 747-400s in 2021 and leased or purchased additional Boeing 777-300ERs and Airbus A350s to replace less efficient aircraft. China Airlines operated its final Boeing 747-400 passenger service on March 20, 2021, with a special "747 Queen of the Skies Farewell Party" for a 5-hour scenic, round-trip flight to Mt. Fuji, Japan.
China Airlines operated its final Boeing 747-400 passenger service on March 20, 2021. (Photo: focustaiwan.tw) As international travel gradually resumed in 2021 and 2022, China Airlines cautiously reintroduced suspended routes and explored new destinations. The airline relaunched services to North American cities, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Vancouver, often operating with reduced frequencies initially. In Asia, services to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia resumed and even expanded. China Airlines also looked to strengthen its European presence by maintaining flights to Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, and Paris, which had been temporarily suspended.
In 2022 and 2023, China Airlines focused on strategic partnerships and codeshare agreements to broaden its network without committing to additional aircraft or routes. This included partnerships with carriers within the SkyTeam alliance and other regional airlines to improve connectivity to secondary cities across Asia. At the same time, the airline pursued branding and service upgrades, such as refreshed cabin interiors, enhanced in-flight entertainment systems, and expanded premium economy offerings.
The airline purchased 16 new Boeing 787-9 in August 2022 and ordered another eight in May 2023, six are the larger capacity 787-10s. The first of the aircraft started to arrive in early 2026 in Taiwan.
In terms of fleet development, China Airlines continued to take deliveries of Airbus A350-900s and planned for A350-1000 aircraft to be delivered from 2029 to further replace older long-haul aircraft. The airline also invested in narrow-body Airbus A321XLRs for medium-range Asian routes.
In 2024 and into 2025, China Airlines has strategically reinstated many pre-pandemic routes, expanded frequencies, and explored niche destinations in Southeast Asia and Oceania, such as Cairns and Auckland. Cargo operations continue to remain a strong pillar of the airline, complementing the recovering passenger business.
Early 2026, China Airlines took delivery of the first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner's from a previous order in 2022. The airline has an order for 24 examples including 6 for the larger 787-10. As well, the airline holds firm orders for the Boeing 777-9 which is pending certification.
New Boeing 787-9 arrived to China Airlines in early 2026 and intends to replace the older fleet of Airbus A330-300. (Photo: planespotters.net). Today, the airline continues to focus on fleet modernization, expansion of both passenger and cargo operations. Its emphasis on fuel-efficient aircraft like the Airbus A350, combined with targeted route expansion and strategic partnerships, has allowed it to navigate a challenging aviation environment while preparing for sustainable long-term growth.
Airline Factual Information
China Airlines operates to 178 airports on four continents. Japan is the most important market of the carrier, with over 180 flights weekly from multiple points in Taiwan to 14 Japanese destinations. China Airlines has its largest hub at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, where it operates to Europe, East Asia, North America and Oceania. It also operates out of Kaohsiung International Airport, in the south of Taiwan, but there are no domestic services, between the two Taiwanese cities. China Airlines is also the owner of its domestic subsidiary Mandarin Airlines operating numerous flights out of Kaohsiung International Airport and Taipei Songshan Airport, the downtown airport of Taipei.
China Airlines flies to the following destinations*:
Updated February 2026
China Airlines has a dual fleet policy operating Airbus and Boeing aircraft, currently as of 2026 it is operating 83 aircraft, with new Airbus A350 and Boeing 787-9 arriving in the next years. It's less density routes are operated by Boeing 737-800 and Airbus A321Neo, which will replace the older Boeing aircraft and retire the type in 2027.
The fleet* consists of the following aircraft:
Updated February 2026
Reviews and comments ⭐
What Stands Out 😀👍 | Needs Improvement 🫤👎 |
✅ Polite and Attentive Cabin Crew: Passengers consistently praise the flight attendants for being professional, warm, and highly responsive to requests during the flight. | 👎 Rigid Customer Service Policies: Many travelers report frustration with a lack of flexibility regarding ticket name corrections, refunds, and mileage claims. |
✅ Modern and Comfortable Fleet: The newer Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft are highly rated for their spacious seating, quiet cabins, and overall cleanliness. | 👎 Difficulties with Rebooking & Delays: In the event of flight cancellations or long layovers, passengers often feel the airline provides insufficient compensation or communication. |
✅ Quality In-Flight Catering: Reviews frequently highlight the tasty meals, specifically the authentic Taiwanese dishes like minced pork rice and beef noodles. | 👎 Ground Staff Inconsistency: While cabin crew are praised, ground agents at various international airports are sometimes described as impatient or unhelpful. |
✅ Strong Entertainment Selection: The in-flight entertainment system is noted for having a wide, up-to-date variety of movies and music, even on shorter regional routes. | 👎 Baggage Handling Issues: There are recurring complaints regarding delayed or damaged luggage, as well as a perceived lack of empathy from the airline when resolving these claims. |
✅ Efficient Boarding and Punctuality: Frequent flyers often mention that the airline maintains a high standard for on-time departures and organized priority boarding. | 👎 Cramped Bathrooms & Maintenance: Some passengers on long-haul flights have noted that lavatories are not cleaned frequently enough and that some older A330 cabins feel dated. |
*Reviews are collected from independent sites and compelled by the most representative reviews and comments. Planet Airlines Ltd remains impartial to any airlines.