China Airlines, one of Taiwan’s leading airline carriers, is making significant strides in expanding its presence in the United States as part of a strategic initiative aimed at modernizing its fleet and enhancing its long-haul network.
The airline has identified three key U.S. destinations for potential expansion: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). This move is a reflection of the growing demand for trans-Pacific air travel, as these cities serve as major international gateways with robust travel volume and trade connections between Taiwan and the United States.
In addition to these new routes, China Airlines plans to increase the frequency of its flights to existing North American hubs, including New York JFK International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle International Airport (SEA). This strategy is aligned with the airline’s vision to leverage the post-pandemic surge in international travel combined with a rising interest in tourism and enhanced trade relations.
A critical aspect of China Airlines’ expansion is its commitment to fleet modernization. The airline has not only placed orders for 55 next-generation aircraft, including 24 Boeing 787s, 10 Boeing 777-9s, and 10 Airbus A350-1000s, but is also set to phase out older Airbus A330-300s. The new fleet will be more fuel-efficient and better suited to handle long-haul routes, thereby enabling even more direct flights between Taiwan and the U.S.
Such modernization will support new services to U.S. cities as well as enhance existing offerings. Increased flight options to major hubs will provide travelers with greater flexibility, catering to a growing customer base eager for more direct connections.
However, competition in the U.S.-Taiwan aviation market is intensifying. EVA Air and Starlux Airlines are also ramping up their services, with EVA Air preparing to launch new routes to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October 2025 and Starlux Airlines planning to commence operations at PHX in early 2026.
With this increasing competition, data from Cirium indicates that the combined seat capacity from Taiwan to the U.S. across these airlines is projected to rise by around 12% year over year, underscoring the burgeoning demand for travel.
In an effort to bolster its growth, China Airlines is also honing its partnerships with other airlines. A recent interline agreement with Southwest Airlines set to take effect in 2026 will facilitate smoother connections for passengers between the two carriers, enhancing the travel experience even further. Although the agreement will initially lack loyalty benefits, it represents a significant step toward improved connectivity for China Airlines travelers within the U.S.
The airline’s existing alliance with Delta Air Lines through its SkyMiles program also adds value for U.S.-based frequent flyers, allowing them to earn and redeem points on flights operated by China Airlines. The combination of these strategic partnerships is expected to enhance China Airlines’ appeal to a broader audience.
China Airlines’ dedication to improving its operational presence in the U.S. is particularly evident with its upcoming move to the new Terminal 1 at New York’s JFK Airport in June 2026. This relocation aims to streamline its East Coast operations, enabling the airline to deliver a more efficient travel experience for its passengers.
Furthermore, China Airlines continues to augment its services at key airports, including LAX and SEA. The recent expansion to Seattle in 2024 opened additional direct flights between the U.S. West Coast and Taiwan, while the airline aims to maintain its accessibility through major West Coast airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Ontario International Airport (ONT).
Looking to the future, China Airlines is aware of the competitive pressures it faces from both EVA Air and Starlux Airlines. To sustain its market presence, the airline must continually innovate and provide compelling reasons for travelers to select its services. This includes offering convenient connections, upgraded aircraft with improved amenities, and an expanding array of route options.
Navigating the complexities of the evolving international air travel landscape will also present challenges. China Airlines must adapt to shifting market dynamics, regulatory changes, and fluctuations in fuel costs to protect its market position.
In conclusion, China Airlines is steadily establishing a more significant footprint in the U.S., leveraging modernization and strategic partnerships to enhance its offerings.
As the airline moves forward, its ability to stay agile and responsive to competitive pressures will be crucial for its continued expansion within the promising U.S.-Taiwan travel corridor.
image source from：travelandtourworld
