China Airlines to boost Europe routes, launch KLM codeshare

Taipei, Nov. 12 (CNA) Taiwan-based China Airlines (CAL) said Wednesday that it plans to increase flights to New York, London and Prague, and partner with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines on a codeshare route to Helsinki, Finland next year.

At an investor conference, an airline spokesperson said the company remains optimistic about its 2026 outlook as it tries to expand passenger services and strengthen cargo operations.

CAL Chairman Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) said global passenger demand is expected to grow 3-4 percent annually over the next decade, led by the Asian market.

Air traffic from Taiwan to and from the United States has already increased by about 30 percent in recent years, reinforcing Taiwan's role as a regional transit hub, Kao said, adding that transfer traffic will remain a key focus next year.

China Airlines will take delivery of five to seven Boeing 787s in 2026 and continue introducing A321neo aircraft to enhance network flexibility, according to CAL President Kevin Chen (陳漢銘).

The airline will launch flights to Phoenix, Arizona, on Dec. 3 with three weekly services, Chen said, and that next year, the company plans to increase flights to New York based on market demand.

For European routes, flights to London will soon be increased to five per week, while the Prague route will be expanded to three weekly flights starting in April next year, Chen said.

As for Asia, he said, the Chiang Mai route has already been increased to daily direct flights, and the Tokyo Narita route will be expanded from three weekly flights to one per day.

The airline will also evaluate potential new destinations in North America and Northeast Asia, Chen added.

According to CAL, its planned codeshare with KLM will result in Helsinki becoming a new European destination, with potential for direct service once market demand grows.