Japan Adds More Flights and Orders New Fleet – China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang: This Year Is Exciting

Reported and photographed by You... / Taipei

China Airlines and Mandarin Airlines held their spring banquet press conference today (18th). China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang described this year’s expected operational outlook as “cautiously optimistic.” Sun stated that global economic growth in 2014 (this year) will be better than last year. In terms of air transport, the number of Taiwanese traveling abroad grew by 5% to 10% last year, and the Tourism Bureau estimates that the number of tourists visiting Taiwan will reach 9 million. Additionally, Tigerair Taiwan will begin operations in the fourth quarter of this year, so China Airlines remains optimistic about 2014.


▲ China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang (left) enlisted renowned designer Chen Ruixian (right) to create the overall cabin impression. (Photo / Reporter You...)

At the end of last year (2013), China Airlines announced the establishment of Tigerair Taiwan, showing optimism about the future of low-cost carriers, with operations expected to begin in the fourth quarter of this year. As for cargo volume, Sun Hongxiang said that although oil prices remain high and are not expected to drop anytime soon, cargo volume is still expected to recover in the fourth quarter, and the overall performance should be better than last year. “For China Airlines, this year will be an exciting one.”

In terms of route development, China Airlines plans to add four new destinations—Xuzhou, Hefei, Changchun, and Yantai—to its existing 28 mainland China points, expanding the total to 32. In addition, efforts are being made to resolve transit issues in mainland China, and more flights are hoped for in major hub cities. For Japan routes, due to a 50% increase in Taiwanese travelers visiting Japan, the number of flights has risen from 80 per week in 2012 to 172 per week in 2014, with potential for further increases. For South Korea, there are hopes to open more destinations, starting with charter flights.

China Airlines currently operates a fleet of 75 passenger and cargo aircraft. In 2014, the airline expects to add seven planes—three 777s and four A330s—and plans to add 24 long-haul aircraft over the next five years. Sun Hongxiang said that aircraft will be gradually replaced while adjusting to market demand, and decisions on phasing out older planes will also be made by the end of the year. The new B777-300ER fleet will become the flagship of China Airlines, with both hardware and software onboard being upgraded.

Sun Hongxiang stated that as Taiwan’s leading airline, “we hope every plane that takes off represents Taiwan.” Therefore, renowned designer Chen Ruixian was invited to shape the overall cabin impression, blending minimalist modern style with elements of Eastern aesthetics—a look that passengers can look forward to.