China Airlines

China Airlines, Limited (Chinese: 中華航空公司 (pinyin: Zhōnghuá Hángkōng gōngsī), commonly abbreviated 華航) is the flag carrier of the Republic of China. The airline is not directly state-owned. However, it is owned by the China Aviation Development Foundation (中華航空事業發展基金會) which in turn is owned by the government of the Republic of China. Unlike other state-owned companies in the Republic of China, the chairman of China Airlines does not report to the Legislative Yuan.

The airline, based at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and with headquarters in Taipei, currently flies to destinations in Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. The airline started to operate regularly scheduled flights between Taiwan and mainland China on July, 2008. Most flights serving this market are thus concentrated at Shanghai, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Hong Kong. China Airlines had operated Hong Kong route since 1967. It is the airline's most profitable market, generating 13.3% of its NT$121.9 billion (US$ 3.7 billion) revenue in 2006 with over 140 flights flown a week between Taipei, Kaohsiung and Hong Kong^[1].

The airline's main competitor is EVA Air. China Airlines is expected to become a full member of SkyTeam in late 2008. Talks between the airline and the alliance started in 2007.^[2]

History

Boeing 737-800

Airbus A340-300X

Boeing 747-400

Before the Chinese Civil War, there were three airlines operating in the Republic of China. One was Civil Air Transport, founded by General Claire L. Chennault and Whiting Willauer in 1946. The other two were joint ventures by the ROC government with Pan American World Airways and Lufthansa. As a result of the Chinese Civil War, the Communist Party of China took control of mainland China, and only Civil Air Transport moved along with the Kuomintang-controlled ROC government to Taiwan.

With a fleet of 2 PBY Amphibians, China Airlines was established on December 16, 1959, with its shares completely held by the ROC government. It was founded by a retired air force officer and initially concentrated on charter flights. During the 1960s, China Airlines was able to establish its first domestic and international routes, and in October 1962, a flight from Taipei to Hualien became the airline's first domestic service. Growth continued and on December 1, 1966, Saigon, South Vietnam (now Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) became the airline's first international destination. Trans-Pacific flights to San Francisco were initiated on February 2, 1970.

The next 20 years saw sporadic but far-reaching growth for the company. Routes were opened to Los Angeles, New York, London and Paris, among others (China Airline's first European destination was Amsterdam). Jets were acquired, and China Airlines employed such planes as the Boeing 747 in its fleet. Later, the airline inaugurated its own round-the-world flight: (Taipei-Anchorage-New York-Amsterdam-Dubai-Taipei). 1993 saw China Airlines listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange.

As the flag carrier for the Republic of China, China Airlines has been affected by disputes over the political status of Taiwan, and under pressure from the People's Republic of China was barred from flying into a number of countries maintaining diplomatic relations with the PRC. As a result, in the mid-1990s, China Airlines subsidiary Mandarin Airlines took over some of its international routes, e.g. Sydney and Vancouver. Partly as a way to avoid the international controversy, China Airlines unveiled its "plum blossom flower" logo, replacing the national flag, which had previously appeared on the tail fins, and the red-white-blue national colors on the fuselage of its aircraft, on October 7, 1995.

Throughout the 1990s, the airline had the practice of employing 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. The company also began to actively recruit civilian-trained pilots with proven track records. In addition, the company began recruiting new 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.

Taiwan's political status proved to be a blessing in disguise for China Airlines in Japan. As Japan does not recognize Taiwan's independence, it did not allow China Airlines to use Narita International Airport. Instead, China Airlines used Tokyo International Airport (which is located within the special wards of Tokyo), an airport mainly used for domestic flights until April 18, 2002, when flights were transferred to Narita.

In recent years, some pro-Taiwan independence activists have sought to rename the airline "Taiwan Airlines", arguing that foreigners have in the past confused the airline with Air China and that "China" is not a representative name for an airline that has no scheduled flights to mainland China. In late 2004, President Chen Shui-bian proposed the renaming of all state-owned enterprises bearing the name "China" to "Taiwan." Many consider his act as one of desinicization. This was opposed by the Pan-blue coalition, the opposition parties in the Taiwan legislature. The airline also voiced concern over its international operations, codeshare agreements and other commercial contracts. [1] The issue was dropped after the 2004 Legislative Yuan election when the pro-Chen Pan-Green Coalition failed to win a majority. In 2007, however, the issue resurfaced with the renaming of several state-owned companies such as Chunghwa Post, whose name was changed to Taiwan Post (a name that was reverted again to Chunghwa Post when the KMT won both the presidential and legislative 2008 elections) and CPC Corporation, Taiwan. [2]

China Airlines has been reported to be in talks with the SkyTeam airline alliance regarding full membership. While neither the airline nor SkyTeam has made any official announcements, it is expected that China Airlines will join the alliance sometime in 2008. China Airlines would be the alliance's twelfth full member airline.^[3]

Destinations

Further information: China Airlines destinations

Fleet

As of May 2008^[update] the China Airlines fleet consists of the following aircraft:^[4]

As of November 2008^[update] the average age of the China Airlines fleet is 6.1 years old. China Airlines has the world's largest fleet of Boeing 747-400Fs.

Two of their earliest 747-400s (B-18271 and B-18272) have been given to Boeing and converted to Boeing LCFs for transportation of 787 parts. In return, four new 747-400s were delivered to China Airlines. The livery of one of the new 747s (B-18210) is a combination of the China Airlines plum blossom tail and Boeing's Dreamliner colors design. These were the four last passenger 747-400s to be manufactured and delivered, and feature the Boeing Signature interior in common with the 747-400ER and most notably the Boeing 777.

In an interview with Taiwan's Economic Daily newspaper, China Airlines' CEO announced a cabin upgrade of all the airline's Boeing 747-400s in the second half of 2008, at a cost of around $7 billion Taiwan dollars. The 747-400s will be have two different new configurations, with 6 of the 15 planes in a two class configuration of Dynasty (Business) Class and Economy Class for flights to regional destinations in Asia and to Amsterdam, and the other 9 planes in a three class configuration of First Class, Dynasty (Business) Class and Economy Class for long haul flights to America.

The airline is undergoing a fleet renewal and simplification program. The A300-600R has been replaced with the A330-300 and there are plans for a long-haul fleet renewal. However, analysts and the media have twice preemptively stated that China Airlines intends to order the Boeing 747-8i to replace their older 747-400s and Airbus A340-300s. China Airlines refuted the claims on both occasions. Prior to Lufthansa's becoming the launch customer for the 747-8i, it was strongly speculated that China Airlines could be a possible launch customer. Questioned about the airline's long haul fleet renewal plan, the CEO revealed that one model from Airbus and Boeing will be selected and evaluated, with China Airlines looking at the Airbus A380 and A350 and Boeing's 747-8 and 787. He has specified that the airline will not select the Boeing 777. China Airlines was reported to have decided on 6 Boeing 787s on July 18, 2007; however, this report, like the previous 747-8i reports, was quickly rejected by the airline. On December 11, 2007, China Airlines signed a letter of intent to purchase 20 Airbus A350-900s to replace their fleet of A340s, and the order was confirmed on January 22, 2008. The A350 will offer 2-class (Business and Economy) service with 327 seats.^[5] In addition, the China Airlines CEO revealed that all 737-800s would be transferred to Mandarin Airlines, which would become a larger-scale regional carrier.^[6]

Cabin

Cabin Classes

In-flight Entertainment

• "Fantasy Sky", the new in-flight entertainment system, is available on all aircraft with Audio Video on Demand (AVOD) listed above. The AVOD system contains various channels of television shows, songs, video games, as well as aircraft exterior views (such as the nose wheel). The AVOD system is available in three languages: English, Japanese, and Mandarin. China Airlines intends to fit Fantasy Sky entertainment systems on all the B747-400s by the end of 2009.

• Popular English and Mandarin magazines are available and offered in First Class cabin. The magazines may be obtained by requests in other cabin as well. Popular Japanese magazines are available on flight to and from Japan upon request. The flight attendants will attempt to fill in your request in the order of your ticketed cabin (First, Dynasty Supreme/Dynasty, and Economy) if the same magazine is requested at the same time.

• Popular English and Mandarin newspapers are available and offered in First, Dynasty Supreme, and Dynasty cabin at pre-flight. At least one type of newspaper is guaranteed to be available.

• DYNASTY is the China Airlines in-flight magazine. It has articles in English, Chinese and Japanese featuring selective events, descriptive culture, social introductions, and/or personal interviews. However, due to cost down measures, it's no longer available in each seat in Economy class. Each aircraft has limited amount of DYNASTY in-flight magazine available at the magazine holder on the middle wall of each section in Economy Cabin.

• Sky Couch is the Fantasy Sky magazine guide. It has articles in English, Chinese and Japanese featuring shows available this month, whether it's actor interviews, movie overviews, and/or other entertainment related events. Similar to the DYNASTY magazine, it is also no longer available in each seat.

• Sky Boutique is the Duty Free Sales magazine. Description is available in English, Chinese and Japanese. Unlike other magazines, it's available at every seat.

In-flight Meals and/or Refreshment

Dynasty Class Dinner

• Pre-flight drinks and mixed nuts are available in First, Dynasty Supreme, and Dynasty Cabin. Flight attendants will offer juices on the plate and passengers may request other kinds of beverages or liquor that's available on the aircraft if desired.

• Alcohols and beverages are not offered on flights less than 180 minutes (only coffee, tea and water) in Economy class. However, limited amount will be carried on these flights upon request in a first come first serve basis. It's available in the premium cabins regardless of flight duration.

• Refreshments (also known as light meals) or Snack Boxes are offered on all international flights operated by China Airlines. A standard meal will be replaced should the flight exceeds 180 minutes in length and is not operated during late night (also known as red-eye flights). Two standard meals are available should the flight exceeds nine hours in length (one of the meal could be light meal or snack box depending on how many hours the flight exceeds nine hours and/or if it's operated late night during the meal time frame).

• A standard five-course meal is available in First Class cabin on all flights. Should the flight exceeds nine hours in length, two meals will be offered instead. A standard three-course meal is available in Dynasty Supreme or Dynasty cabin. Should the flight exceeds nine hours in length, two meals will be offered instead (one of the meal could be refreshment depending on how many hours the flight exceeds nine hours and/or if it's operated late night during the meal time frame). You may ask the flight attendants to move your dining hours if desired.

• Snacks are available upon requests in Economy cabin. However, it's usually not available if the flight duration is less than 180 minutes. It's also limited in quality (usually cookies, crackers, mix nuts, and instant noodles) and quantity on a first come first serve basis on all other flights. Instant noodles are no longer available on flights from/to Anchorage-New York JFK, Brisbane and Sydney beginning November 2008. The noodle service is planned to be discontinued on all flights by February 2009 when all stocks are consumed due to safety related issues. However, three types of Taiwanese branded MOS Burger will be in place for the discontinued instant noodles on select flights.

• For First, Dynasty Supreme, and Dynasty cabin, refreshments and snacks with better qualities and presentations are available upon request. Flight attendants will attempt to serve your request at a priority. However, instant noodle will no longer be an option once the inventories are all consumed.

Dynasty Flyer

Dynasty Flyer is China Airlines' frequent flyer program. There are four tiers where three elite tiers are Gold, Emerald, and Paragon. Members can qualify for these elite tiers by earning enough air miles and/or segments. Elite members have more privileges such as access to the VIP Lounge, a higher checked baggage allowance, and being able to upgrade their ticket to a different cabin. A one way flight is counted as 1 segment unless the air mile denoted by IATA is less than 500 (such as TPE-OKA), where 0.5 segments will be used instead. All elite memberships last two years and soft landings are available.

Additional information can be found at China Airlines.

Dynasty

There's no requirement in this tier. However, one must file an application with China Airlines to join for mileage and segment accruals. Three years of inactivity in traveling will cause the membership to expire.

Gold

Tier is achieved when one has acquired 40,000 air miles or 10 segments in paid First (F/A), Dynasty Supreme (J/D), or Dynasty Cabin (C/D) with China Airlines and/or Mandarin Airlines. Renewal is achieved when one has acquired 55,000 air miles or 20 segments in paid First (F/A), Dynasty Supreme (J/D), or Dynasty Cabin (C/D) with China Airlines and/or Mandarin Airlines within membership validity.

Additional benefits such as birthday month miles, dedicated check-in counter or guaranteed business class check-in counter on all destinations served by China Airlines, 10 kg extra luggage (1 piece if traveling to/from North America w/weight based on cabin traveled), Business Class lounge access, priority baggage handling, and priority wait list are offered.

Emerald

Tier is achieved when one has acquired 110,000 air miles and 4 segments, or 40 segments in paid First (F/A), Dynasty Supreme (J/D), or Dynasty Cabin (C/D) with China Airlines and/or Mandarin Airlines. Renewal is achieved when one has acquired the same requirements within membership validity.

In additional to benefits in Gold Tier, benefits such as qualification gifts, dedicated hotlines, First Class lounge access, 72 hours seat verification, duty free items discount, complementary lounge access for 1 guest, and complimentary spouse upgrades are offered.

Paragon

Tier is achieved when one has acquired 180,000 air miles and 6 segments, or 60 segments in paid First (F/A), Dynasty Supreme (J/D), or Dynasty Cabin (C/D) with China Airlines and/or Mandarin Airlines. Renewal is achieved when one has acquired the same requirements within membership validity.

In additional to benefits in Emerald Tier, benefits such as 10,000 qualification miles, another 10kg extra luggage (1 piece if traveling to/from North America w/weight based on cabin traveled), another complementary lounge access for 1 guest (unlimited for children), complimentary spouse Gold Card, and 20% bonus miles on all flights operated by China Airlines are offered.

Codeshare agreements

As of May 2008^[update] China Airlines has codeshare agreements with the following airlines:

• Alitalia
• Delta Air Lines
• Czech Airlines
• Garuda Indonesia
• Korean Air
• Thai Airways International
• Vietnam Airlines

In addition, China Airlines has a codeshare agreement with Deutsche Bahn.

Private bus services in the United States

In the United States China Airlines operates private bus services from airports with China Airlines flights to areas that have large Taiwanese American populations.

Incidents and accidents

A CG render of B-18255, the Boeing 747 on China Airlines Flight 611 that disintegrated in mid-air.

Since 1970, the airline has averaged 3.21 fatal events per million flights [3], while the worldwide average is under 2.0 [4].

• 1970, August 12, Flight 206, a NAMC YS-11, struck a ridge while landing at Taipei, killing 14 people. This was the airline's first fatal accident.
• 1971, November 20, Flight 825, a Caravelle aircraft, blew up after a bomb on it exploded, causing the deaths of 25 people over the Penghu Islands.
• 1982, August 16, A China Airlines Boeing 747 encountered severe turbulence, resulting in the deaths of 2 of the 292 passengers aboard [5].
• 1983, August 21, Philippine Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. while disembarking from Flight 811 a regularly scheduled flight from Taipei to Manila, was assassinated by several aviation security men on the tarmac of the Manila International Airport.
• 1985, February 19, Flight 006, a Boeing 747SP, went out of control, recovered, and made an emergency landing at San Francisco.
• 1986, February 16, Flight 2265, a Boeing 737, crashed in Makung, Penghu, killing 13.
• 1989, October 26, a China Airlines Boeing 737-209 crashed shortly after takeoff from Hualien, Taiwan. All 54 passengers and crew aboard were killed.
• 1991, December 29, Flight 358, a Boeing 747 freighter, hit a hillside at Wanli, Taiwan after separation of its No.3 & 4 engines, killing five people.
• 1993, November 4, Flight 605, a brand new Boeing 747-400, overran the Kai Tak Airport runway 13 while landing during a typhoon. It had touched down more than 2/3 down the runway and was unable to stop before the end of the runway, finishing up in Hong Kong harbour. All 396 people on board were safely evacuated.
• 1994, April 26, Flight 140, an Airbus A300, crashed while landing at Nagoya, Japan, killing 264 people.
• 1998, February 16, Flight 676, an Airbus A300, crashed after a failed missed-approach at Chiang Kai-shek International Airport in Taiwan, killing all 196 aboard along with 9 on the ground, including Taiwan Central Bank chief Hsu Yuan-Dong.
• 1999, August 22, Flight 642, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, flipped over while landing at Hong Kong airport during a typhoon. Three people were killed.
• 2002, May 25, Flight 611, a Boeing 747-200, broke up in mid-air on the way to Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong from Chiang Kai-shek International Airport in Taiwan. All 206 passengers and 19 crew members died.
• 2007, August 20, China Airlines Flight 120, a Boeing 737-800 inbound from Taipei caught fire shortly after landing at Naha Airport in Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. After stopping on the tarmac, the engine started smoking and burning, and later exploded causing the plane to catch fire.^[7] A statement from the airline confirmed that all passengers and crew members were safely evacuated, and a ground engineer knocked off his feet by the blast was unhurt.^[8] The cause of the explosion has been attributed to a fuel leak caused by a bolt from the right wing slat puncturing the fuel tank.^[9]

References

External links

• China Airlines
• China Airlines Cargo Service
• China Airlines Fleet Age
• China Airlines Fleet Detail
• "China Airlines takes air safety to new levels," Taipei Times