China Airlines Expands US Network: New Destinations in Boston, Washington D.C., Phoenix, New York, Los Angeles, and Seattle with Fleet Upgrades

China Airlines, a leading airline based in Taipei, Taiwan, is planning a major expansion of its presence in the United States. The airline is focusing on adding new destinations and strengthening its long-haul network, particularly to the U.S. market. This ambitious strategy comes as part of a broader initiative to modernize its fleet and ramp up competition in the growing trans-Pacific travel market.

Expanding to Key U.S. Airports

China Airlines has identified three new potential destinations in the United States: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS), Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The airline’s decision to expand to these new airports reflects its desire to tap into the increasing demand for air travel between Taiwan and the U.S. These cities have been identified as major international gateways with substantial travel volume and trade connections between the two countries.

As part of its expansion, China Airlines will also increase the frequency of flights to its existing North American hubs, including New York JFK International Airport (JFK), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and Seattle International Airport (SEA). This growth strategy reflects the airline’s broader vision to capitalize on the post-pandemic surge in international travel, increased tourism, and the growing trade ties between Taiwan and the United States.

Fleet Modernization for Long-Haul Routes

A key component of China Airlines’ expansion plan is its ongoing fleet modernization. The airline is actively upgrading its fleet with new, next-generation aircraft that will enable it to efficiently operate long-haul routes. As of June 2025, China Airlines has 55 aircraft on firm order, including 24 Boeing 787s, 10 Boeing 777-9s, and 10 Airbus A350-1000s. These modern aircraft are more fuel-efficient and capable of handling longer, more direct flights, which is crucial for long-haul travel between Taiwan and the United States.

This fleet modernization will help China Airlines replace older Airbus A330-300s, which will eventually be phased out. The new aircraft will not only fuel expansion into new U.S. cities but also improve the frequency of flights to existing destinations. For example, the airline is poised to increase its services to major hubs such as JFK, LAX, and SEA, providing passengers with more options and flexibility.

Strategic U.S. Expansion with Competitive Pressures

The U.S.-Taiwan route market is becoming increasingly competitive, with EVA Air and Starlux Airlines, two of China Airlines’ main competitors, also expanding their services to the U.S. market. EVA Air, a fellow SkyTeam member, will launch new service to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in October 2025, further intensifying competition. Additionally, Starlux Airlines has plans to begin operations at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) in early 2026.

This growing competition has led to an increase in seat capacity from Taiwan to the U.S. According to data from Cirium, the combined seat capacity of China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux Airlines to the U.S. is expected to rise by nearly 12% year over year. The increase in capacity is a reflection of the growing demand for travel between Taiwan and the United States, fueled by the post-pandemic recovery and expanding trade relations.

Enhancing Partnerships to Support Growth

To complement its fleet expansion and new routes, China Airlines is also strengthening its strategic alliances with other airlines. In June 2025, China Airlines announced a new interline agreement with Southwest Airlines. Starting in 2026, passengers will be able to connect between both carriers at shared gateways in the United States. This partnership, although initially excluding loyalty benefits, will improve connectivity for China Airlines passengers arriving in the U.S., allowing them to more easily access domestic flights within the country.

Additionally, China Airlines has an ongoing partnership with Delta Air Lines. Through Delta’s SkyMiles program, travelers can earn and redeem points on China Airlines-operated flights. This alliance further enhances the appeal of China Airlines for U.S.-based frequent flyers who already participate in Delta’s loyalty program.

The Strategic Importance of JFK and Other U.S. Hubs

China Airlines‘ expansion into U.S. markets is not limited to new routes but also includes increasing capacity and enhancing its presence at key airports. The airline recently confirmed that it would move to the new Terminal 1 at New York’s JFK Airport when it opens in June 2026. This move underscores China Airlines’ commitment to improving its East Coast operations and providing passengers with a more modern and efficient travel experience.

In addition to JFK, China Airlines will also boost its presence at other critical U.S. airports like LAX and SEA. China Airlines’ most recent expansion was to Seattle in 2024, a move that opened up more direct flight options for passengers between the U.S. West Coast and Taiwan. The airline also continues to serve major West Coast airports such as San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and Ontario International Airport (ONT), and it previously operated services to Honolulu (HNL) before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking Ahead: Competitive Landscape and Challenges

As China Airlines looks ahead to expanding its routes and increasing its fleet, it faces several challenges in a rapidly evolving market. The growing competition from both EVA Air and Starlux Airlines means that China Airlines must continuously innovate and offer compelling reasons for travelers to choose its services. This includes the introduction of more convenient connections, upgraded aircraft with enhanced amenities, and expanded route options.

Additionally, China Airlines must navigate changing dynamics in international air travel, particularly with regard to post-pandemic recovery, regulatory challenges, and the fluctuating cost of fuel. The airline will need to remain flexible and responsive to these challenges to maintain its competitive edge and continue to grow its market share in the highly competitive U.S.-Taiwan travel corridor.

Conclusion: China Airlines’ Growing U.S. Presence

In conclusion, China Airlines is poised for significant growth in the U.S. market. Through fleet modernization, the introduction of new routes, and strengthened partnerships with airlines like Southwest Airlines and Delta Air Lines, the airline is positioning itself as a major player in the trans-Pacific aviation market. As the competition heats up with rivals like EVA Air and Starlux Airlines, China Airlines remains committed to providing enhanced connectivity and service to its customers, ensuring that its expansion into the U.S. will be a long-term success.