Taiwan’s China Airlines expects growth in 2025

台灣中華航空預計 2025 年將實現成長

Company forecasts growth in passenger and cargo operations


TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China Airlines Chair Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) expects growth in the company's passenger and cargo operations this year, CNA reported on Monday.

Kao forecasted the number of passengers, especially on Asia-Pacific routes, would surpass pre-COVID-19 levels. He also expects cargo operations to continue growing, driven partly by e-commerce demand, despite challenges from changing tariff policies.

Kao said there was little chance of ticket price reductions due to sustainable aviation fuel costs, which are three to four times higher than traditional jet fuel.

China Airlines ordered new Airbus and Boeing passenger and cargo aircraft in December. Kao said the company will expand its network of new destinations and increase frequencies on popular existing routes.

The airlines signed an order with Airbus on Monday for 10 A350-1000 twin-aisle aircraft, with deliveries set to begin in 2029. The new planes will be used on routes to North America and Europe.

The A350-1000 aircraft will feature business, premium economy, and economy class cabins. The planes will offer a more spacious cabin, automatic window shades, and devices that adjust cabin pressure and humidity for enhanced comfort on long-haul flights.

China Airlines operates 83 aircraft and plans to expand its fleet to 90-95 planes, Kao said. He added that more than a quarter of the fleet will be the same model, improving maintenance efficiency and crew scheduling.

Airbus delivered China Airlines' 15th A321 single-aisle aircraft in January, with nine more scheduled. Boeing is set to begin delivering 24 787 cargo planes to the airline by year's end or early next year.

China Airlines reported revenue of NT$203.8 billion (US$6.79 billion) last year, with net profit after tax of NT$15.49 billion. Passenger revenue reached NT$127.9 billion, a 10.54% year-over-year increase, while cargo revenue rose 6.24%, boosted by the e-commerce demand.