TAOYUAN- China Airlines (CI), based in Taipei, is preparing for a major US expansion with the introduction of new long-haul aircraft.
The airline is actively evaluating Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) as potential new destinations.
As China Airlines takes delivery of next-generation jets, it will also increase frequencies to its current North American hubs: New York JFK International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle International Airport (SEA). These developments reflect the airline’s growth strategy as competition in trans-Pacific travel intensifies.
Photo: PicrylChina Airlines Plans US Expansion
China Airlines is leveraging a fleet modernization plan to grow its long-haul network, especially in the United States. As of June, the SkyTeam member had 55 aircraft on firm order, 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 are expected to fuel new routes and added frequencies.
The airline’s president, Chen Han-Ming, confirmed during a press briefing at JFK (currently operating from Terminal 4) that China Airlines will relocate to the new Terminal 1 when it opens in June 2026.
This move underscores the carrier’s commitment to strengthening its East Coast presence.
In addition to JFK, the airline will boost service at other key US gateways, notably LAX and SEA.
The airline’s most recent US expansion was to SEA in 2024, and it already serves major West Coast airports including San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Ontario International Airport (ONT). China Airlines also served Honolulu (HNL) prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Photo: DJ.Cy | FlickrCompetition and Market Trends
The US-Taiwan route market is seeing strong competitive growth. EVA Air and Starlux Airlines, China Airlines’ main rivals, are each expanding rapidly.
EVA will launch service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this October, marking its seventh U.S. destination. Starlux began flights to ONT in June and plans to start PHX service in early 2026.
According to The Points Guy, these expansions are part of a broader surge in US-bound capacity. Data from Cirium indicates that combined seat capacity from China Airlines, EVA, and Starlux to the US will rise nearly 12% year over year.
This growing demand is driven by the post-pandemic recovery in international travel, growing trade ties, and increased tourism between Taiwan and the US.
Strategic Partnerships
To support its expansion, China Airlines is strengthening alliances. In June, the airline announced a new interline agreement with Southwest Airlines. Starting in 2026, passengers can connect between both carriers at shared gateways.
Though the initial phase excludes loyalty benefits, it enhances domestic connectivity for China Airlines customers arriving in the US.
The carrier also maintains a partnership with Delta Air Lines. Through Delta’s SkyMiles program, travelers can earn and redeem points on China Airlines-operated flights, providing an additional incentive for U.S.-based frequent flyers.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
China Airlines Orders 10 New Airbus A350 for North America and Europe Flights
The post China Airlines Eyes These 3 New US Destinations with More Planes appeared first on Aviation A2Z.
