Taiwan's China Airlines to start operations at JFK's new terminal in 2026

Taipei, July 8 (CNA) China Airlines (CAL), one of the leading international carriers in Taiwan, will begin operations at New York John F. Kennedy International Airport's new terminal one in 2026, the Taiwan-based international carrier said Tuesday.

The announcement came as CAL President Kevin Chen (陳漢銘) and The New Terminal One CEO Jennifer Aument signed a letter of intent to forge a long-term partnership to allow the airline to become one of the first carriers to move to the new terminal.

JFK's new terminal one is a key part of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey's US$19 billion package to transform the airport into a world-class gateway.

Construction of the new terminal is taking place in phases with full completion in 2030 with the first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, expected to open in 2026.

According to CAL, the new terminal is applying to several advanced designs to ensure its sustainability, such as a solar panel system, which will be the largest among airports in the United States, electric ground support equipment (eGSE) and a rain recycle mechanism for purposes of landscaping irrigation.

"With such a promising future of The New Terminal One at JFK, China Airlines also hopes for an efficient construction of the facilities," Chen said in a statement. "We look forward to utilizing the latest technology to promote China Airlines and share the excitement of Taiwan with our customers."

CAL said its operations in the new terminal are expected to allow its passenger to experience betters services, which will demonstrate the carrier's close attention to the North American market.

In particular, the carrier stays optimistic about demand between Taiwan and the United States by keeping efforts in expanding its network, CAL added.

Currently, CAL flies to six destinations in North America -- New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Ontario, and Vancouver -- and provide more than 40 round trip flights between Taiwan and the U.S. and Canada, including four weekly flights to New York using the Boeing 777-300ER aircraft.

Meanwhile, with a network of nearly 500 weekly flights, CAL said the carrier is able to ensure strong connectivity for transfer passengers traveling between Asia and North America.

In addition to passenger flights, the carrier also operates a broad cargo network, serving 12 destinations across North America.