China Airlines (IATA code: CI) is the largest national airline in Taiwan, carrying the slogan “Journey With a Caring Smile”. Though its headquarter, as well as its main hub, is located at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, China Airlines also flies from Kaohsiung International Airport. With more than 12,000 employees, China Airlines operates more than 1.400 flights every week. Aside from being a member of the SkyTeam alliance, China Airlines also has two subsidiaries, which are Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan. Established on 16 December 1959, China Airlines Group emerged from the idea of a retired air force officer. Started its operation as a charter flight service, China Airlines finally established its first scheduled route in 1962, flying from Taipei to Hualien. This route also became the airline’s first domestic service. After almost half a century providing service in the aviation industry, today China Airlines offers flights to 145 destinations across 29 countries worldwide, including 10 European cities, 81 Asian cities, 42 American cities, and 7 Oceania routes. Meanwhile, the domestic routes cover five destinations within Taiwan. China Airlines also owns a cargo service, offering services in similar routes to its international flights. In operating its flight service, China Airlines offers three flight classes, which are Economy Class, Premium Economy Class, and Business Class. Every cabin class is equipped with an in-flight entertainment system and a power outlet. Passengers will also get an in-flight meal service based on their flight routes, cabin class, and duration. Economy Class passengers are entitled to a 30 kg baggage allowance, Premium Economy Class passengers are entitled to a 35 kg baggage allowance, while Business Class passengers are entitled to a 40 kg baggage allowance. Moreover, passengers in all classes are entitled to an additional 7 kg of cabin baggage allowance. Regarding the check-in process, all China Airlines passengers are able to check-in either directly at the airport kiosk or online, from 24 hours to 90 minutes before departure. Passengers with special needs or requests, such as infant passengers, child passengers, pregnant passengers, passengers with restricted mobility or disabilities, are required to inform the airline during check-in to arrange services. China Airlines also provides service for passengers who need a specially arranged meal, with menus ranging from vegetarian meals, religious meals, to baby or child meals. China Airlines also offers a frequent flyer program called Dynasty Flyer. This program comes with four membership tiers, which are Dynasty, Gold, Emerald, and Paragon. To be able to enjoy maximum benefits by being the Paragon member, passengers have to earn a certain amount of points (miles) within a year. The more distance they travel, the more miles they will earn. Accumulated miles can be redeemed for free access to VIP lounge, free baggage allowance, flight upgrade, and much more. To join the Dynasty Flyer program, passengers just need to visit the China Airlines’ official website at https://www.china-airlines.com and click on the “Dynasty Member” link on the top right corner of the website page.

China Airlines was found by a retired air force officer and started its journey on 16 December 1959. At the time, China Airlines only had a C54 aircraft and two PBY Amphibians that were used to operate charter flights. In the 1960s, China Airlines finally introduced its first scheduled flight from Taipei to Hualien. This route also became the first domestic flight of China Airlines. One year later, China Airlines added Caravelle and Boeing 727-100 aircraft to its fleet, as well as introduced its first international routes to Southern Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan. On 2 February 1970, the airline purchased a Boeing 707 aircraft, allowing them to expand their flight routes to San Francisco via Tokyo. The route expansion also includes flight services to Southeast Asia, Northeast Asia, and North America via Japan and Hawaii. In 1995, China Airlines unveiled its “plum blossom” logo to replace the national flag, which had previously appeared on the tail fins of its aircraft. The plum blossom was chosen due to its status as Taiwan’s National Flower. Throughout the 1990s, the airline employed many ex-ROC Air Force pilots. However, due to the company’s poor safety record in the 1990s, China Airlines changed its pilot recruitment practices and began to actively recruit civilian-trained pilots with proven track records. In addition, the company also began recruiting university graduates as trainees in its own pilot training program. Moreover, China Airlines also modified its maintenance and operational procedures, which became instrumental in the company’s improved safety record. China Airlines joined the SkyTeam global alliance on 14 September 2010 and officially became a full member on 28 September 2011. China Airlines was the first Taiwanese airline to join an airline alliance. In March 2014, it was announced that China Airlines would be launching a NexGen (NextGeneration) plan to complement the delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER. The program, aimed to refresh the carrier’s brand image, included fleet replacements, product innovations, and new uniform introductions. China Airline wanted to introduce unique product offerings that can showcase the beauty of the East and the cultural creativity of Taiwan. Over the period between 2011 and 2015, China Airlines focuses on strengthening its regional network. While from 2015 to 2020, the airline focuses on expanding its European, North American, and Oceanian network with its new long haul fleet. On 1 December 2017, China Airlines will begin to operate three flights each week to London Gatwick Airport. Besides London, China Airlines is also considering to open new flight routes to European destinations such as Barcelona, Madrid, Milan, and Paris, as well as to North America that will include Boston, Chicago, Seattle, and Toronto.