Now, China Airlines Eyes New Routes to Boston, Washington Dulles, and Phoenix, Plans More Flights to New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Seattle Amid Competition from EVA Air and Starlux, What You Need to Know

Written By: Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar

Tuhin Sarkar is a Senior Journalist at Travel and Tour World with more than 10 years of experience in travel and tourism journalism. A post-graduate in Journalism and Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, he combines strong research, industry knowledge and storytelling expertise to produce engaging, insightful and impactful travel news and fascinating feature stories.

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July 9, 2025 1:26 AM

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China Airlines is charting an ambitious path across the Pacific, setting its sights on new US destinations and beefing up existing routes as competition in the skies heats up. The Taiwan-based carrier is actively exploring launching flights to Boston, Washington Dulles, and Phoenix—markets that promise fresh opportunities for business and leisure travel alike.

At the same time, it’s planning to ramp up frequencies to major hubs like New York JFK, Los Angeles, and Seattle to keep pace with surging demand. This bold expansion comes as rivals EVA Air and Starlux aggressively grow their own US networks, intensifying the battle for travelers between North America and Taiwan.

With a modernized fleet ready to support longer hauls and more efficient operations, China Airlines is positioning itself to capture a bigger slice of trans-Pacific traffic. Here’s what travel professionals and frequent flyers need to know about the carrier’s evolving US strategy.

Fleet Modernization Sets Stage for Growth

At the core of China Airlines’ strategy lies a robust fleet renewal program. The airline currently has 55 new aircraft on firm order. Among them are 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, 10 Boeing 777-9s, and 10 Airbus A350-1000s.

These next-generation jets offer greater fuel efficiency, longer range, and modern passenger amenities that are essential for competing in the premium long-haul market.

Sixteen of these new aircraft will replace aging Airbus A330-300s. The remainder will go directly into expanding the airline’s network and boosting frequencies on high-demand routes.

Fleet upgrades are not just about replacing older metal. They’re central to China Airlines’ vision of carving a more significant role in the competitive US-Taiwan market.

New Cities on the Radar

China Airlines is evaluating three new US destinations as it eyes deeper penetration into North America:

• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS)
• Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)
• Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)

Each market presents strategic advantages. Boston offers strong business and academic links, especially with its significant tech and biotech sectors. Washington D.C. represents diplomatic ties and a robust demand for government and corporate travel. Phoenix, meanwhile, is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the US, with rising demand for international connectivity.

None of these cities currently have direct flights to Taiwan on China Airlines, making them prime targets for new service. Adding them would give the airline a valuable edge, expanding its footprint beyond traditional US gateways.

Strengthening Existing US Hubs

While exploring new cities, China Airlines isn’t losing focus on its existing US operations. The airline has signaled plans to ramp up services at three of its core North American gateways:

• New York JFK (JFK)
• Los Angeles (LAX)
• Seattle (SEA)

New York JFK is poised for a significant upgrade. China Airlines currently operates out of Terminal 4 but plans to move to the new Terminal 1 when it opens in June 2026. This relocation will improve passenger experience and streamline operations.

Los Angeles remains a crucial hub for trans-Pacific traffic, driven by strong business, tourism, and cargo demand. Meanwhile, Seattle, where China Airlines launched service in 2024, has quickly become a vital part of the carrier’s network.

Higher frequencies at these airports mean more flexibility for travelers and increased cargo capacity, a key revenue driver in trans-Pacific aviation.

Competitive Landscape Heats Up

China Airlines’ US ambitions unfold amid fierce competition from regional rivals. EVA Air and Starlux Airlines, Taiwan’s other major international carriers, are aggressively growing their American networks.

EVA Air is preparing to launch flights to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) this October, bringing its US destinations to seven. Starlux Airlines, the youngest player in Taiwan’s aviation sector, began operations to Ontario International Airport (ONT) in June. It also has plans to launch Phoenix service in early 2026.

These expansions reflect a broader surge in trans-Pacific travel as passenger demand rebounds sharply from pandemic-era lows. Industry analysts report nearly a 12% year-on-year increase in combined seat capacity from China Airlines, EVA Air, and Starlux to the United States.

For China Airlines, maintaining momentum is essential. The airline must stay agile and competitive in a market where rivals are rapidly expanding their footprints and offering passengers new choices.

Strategic Partnerships Drive Connectivity

China Airlines isn’t going it alone in its US push. Strategic alliances are crucial to supporting its growth.

In June, the airline unveiled an interline partnership with Southwest Airlines. Beginning in 2026, passengers arriving in the US on China Airlines flights will be able to connect seamlessly to Southwest’s domestic network through shared gateways.

Though loyalty benefits aren’t included in the initial phase, this tie-up significantly expands domestic connectivity for China Airlines customers, making it easier for travelers to reach secondary US destinations.

The airline also maintains a longstanding partnership with Delta Air Lines. Through Delta’s SkyMiles program, travelers can earn and redeem miles on China Airlines flights. This collaboration strengthens the airline’s appeal among US-based frequent flyers and corporate travelers seeking seamless travel options across the Pacific.

US-Taiwan Market Trends Fuel Growth

Several forces are converging to drive growth in US-Taiwan air traffic:

• International Tourism Recovery: Travelers are eager to make up for lost time after pandemic-era restrictions.
• Business and Trade Ties: Taiwan’s critical role in global technology and semiconductor supply chains keeps corporate travel demand robust.
• Increased Tourism Promotion: Both US and Taiwanese tourism boards are pushing new campaigns to encourage bilateral travel.
• Diaspora Traffic: Strong family and community connections generate steady demand for flights between Taiwan and multiple US cities.

These trends bode well for China Airlines as it works to secure new routes and boost capacity. However, they also raise the stakes. Airlines that fail to capitalize quickly may find themselves edged out by more nimble competitors.

Looking Ahead

China Airlines’ vision for the US market is bold. New aircraft, new routes, and deeper partnerships are the cornerstones of its strategy. Yet success isn’t guaranteed.

Execution will be key. Launching new cities like Boston, Washington D.C., and Phoenix requires regulatory approvals, marketing investment, and coordination with airport partners. The airline must also navigate shifting economic conditions, fuel prices, and geopolitical uncertainties that could impact demand.

But one thing is clear: China Airlines is determined to seize a bigger share of the lucrative trans-Pacific market. Travel professionals, tourism boards, and airport authorities should keep a close watch as the airline’s next moves could reshape travel dynamics between Taiwan and the United States.

For the growing number of travelers eager to reconnect across the Pacific, these developments promise more choices, better connectivity, and enhanced travel experiences in the years ahead.