Organization

China Airlines was founded in 1959 by a group of ex-ROC Air force pilots.  The company is a public stock company, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. A majority interest in the company’s common stock is owned by the China Aviation Development Foundation (CADF), which also provides support to numerous aviation training and safety initiatives in Taiwan.  The ROC government appoints the majority of Board Seats of CADF.

Subsidiaries include Mandarin Airlines, Far East Air Transport, China-Pacific Catering Services, Taiwan Airport Service Co., Holiday Inn Waikiki, and Jardine Air Terminal Catering Services.

The Chairman of the Board is Mr. Chang Yao-Chung.  The President is Mr. Wei Hsing-Hsiung.  Sr. Captain Chou Yu Sen is Sr. Vice President, Flight Operations.

Operations

The company, which now serves 50 destinations in 25 countries, operates a modern fleet of more than 60 aircraft,  Including 29 B-747-400 (15 freighters),12 B-737-800, 7 A-340-300, 3 A-330-300, and 11 A 300-600Rs.  China airlines has ordered 10 A-330 aircraft to replace the A-300 fleet and three additional B 747-400 passenger aircraft .

According to China Airline’s strategic plan, the fleet will soon be increased to more than 80 aircraft.  Expansion of cargo operations will play a major part in the company’s near-term growth. The company now operates the largest fleet of Boeing 747-400F aircraft in the world (15). Seven additional freighters are on order. 

Unlike most airlines, China Airlines traffic has remained strong in the wake of recent troublesome events. Average passenger load factor for the year 2003 was 69.4%; cargo load factor was 74.8%. 

Flight Operations, Maintenance, and Cargo Service have been awarded the much sought after ISO 9002 designations.  Quality and Passengers Come First is CAL’s motto.

Human Resources

At the end of 2004, China Airlines employed 9,490 employees, with about 1,500 based outside Taiwan.  In recent years, the company has hired many expatriate pilots to augment local flight deck crews.  There are a total of about 150 expatriate pilots in CAL’s employ at this time and this number will be increased substantially due to planned fleet expansion.

China Airlines provides an excellent working environment for expatriate pilots.  Expatriates now fill some senior management positions in flight operations and many more serve as check airmen or instructor pilots.  For those who want to help build one of the World’s great airlines, China Airlines offers many excellent opportunities.

Financial Condition

China Airlines recorded net profits of NT $1.779 billion on revenues of NT $78,859 billion in calendar year 2003.  The company forecasts approximately the same level of profits this year.

CAL’s2003 balance sheet shows a substantial net worth, in excess of US $1.5 billion.

About Us | Airline Guide  | Crew Login | Crew Guide | Contact Us