Latest news with #MandarinAirlines
The Sun
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Sun
China Airlines holds on to older planes amid 787 delays
TAOYUAN: Taiwan's China Airlines is postponing the retirement of some of its older aircraft due to delays in getting Boeing 787-9 jets that may result in compensation payments from the planemaker, the carrier's newly appointed chairman said. Taiwan's oldest airline, established in 1959, is in the midst of a fleet renewal, last year splitting an order for new long-haul aircraft worth almost US$12 billion (RM51 billion) at list prices between Boeing and European rival Airbus. China Airlines has also ordered 24 Boeing 787s for regional and some longer-distance routes, including 18 787-9s and six of the stretched 787-10 variant. But chairman George Kao said China Airlines' fleet renewal plan to replace ageing Airbus A330s and Boeing 737-800s with 787-9s and A321neos was being hit by delays in getting new aircraft delivered, especially the 787-9s. 'We are at present being greatly impacted. Some aircraft that were scheduled to be phased out, or handed back at the end of their lease, as some are leased, will remain and have their leases extended,' he told Reuters in an interview at the airline's headquarters in Taoyuan, home to Taiwan's main international airport. Boeing has not given China Airlines an exact timeframe for the 787-9 delays, though it has said deliveries will 'basically' start from the end of 2025, added Kao, a pilot by training who started out as a flight attendant and became chairman in March. 'This is written into the contract,' he said, when asked whether China Airlines would seek compensation. 'For example, if it's in the supply chain, the responsibility is Boeing's, and Boeing has to provide some compensation. But if it's not, then there is no compensation. It's all recorded in the contract.' Boeing did not respond to a request for comment. Other airlines are facing similar issues. International Air Transport Association director-general Willie Walsh, whose group represents airlines globally, this month called predictions of aircraft delivery delays throughout this decade 'off-the-chart unacceptable'. Still, Kao was upbeat about expansion plans, pointing to the more fuel-efficient 777-9s and A350-1000s ordered last year that will enable more capacity to be added to routes like New York and London, and a new third terminal at Taoyuan airport, the first section of which is expected to open later this year. He signalled further aircraft additions ahead for subsidiary Mandarin Airlines, which flies almost exclusively domestic routes with ATR-72 turboprops and is getting a revamp to focus on regional routes from southern and central Taiwan with new jet aircraft. 'I can talk about this with aircraft lessors,' he said, without disclosing the jet models it could add. 'We have this plan, to let Mandarin Airlines grow up.' China Airlines faces competition at home not only from long-established rival EVA Air but also rapidly growing Starlux Airlines, which last week placed an order for 10 more A350s. Kao said while the Taiwan market itself was small, transit traffic, which all three airlines are focusing on, meant supporting three full-service airlines was not an issue. Seoul's Incheon airport is too big, meaning passengers can get lost, Tokyo's landing fees are too expensive and Hong Kong has 'political issues', whereas Taoyuan airport's new terminal will greatly improve the travel experience, he said. 'Our passengers are not all Taiwanese; many are transit. Because Taiwan's location, connecting the Pacific to all of Asia, is really very convenient.' – Reuters
The Star
24-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
Taiwan's China Airlines postpones retirement of older planes due to Boeing 787 delays
TAOYUAN: Taiwan's China Airlines is postponing the retirement of some of its older aircraft due to delays in getting Boeing 787-9 jets that may result in compensation payments from the planemaker, the carrier's newly appointed chairman said. Taiwan's oldest airline, established in 1959, is in the midst of a fleet renewal, last year splitting an order for new long-haul aircraft worth almost US$12 billion at list prices between Boeing and European rival Airbus. China Airlines has also ordered 24 Boeing 787s for regional and some longer-distance routes, including 18 787-9s and six of the stretched 787-10 variant. But Chairman George Kao (pic) said China Airlines' fleet renewal plan to replace ageing Airbus A330s and Boeing 737-800s with 787-9s and A321neos was being hit by delays in getting new aircraft delivered, especially the 787-9s. "We are at present being greatly impacted. Some aircraft that were scheduled to be phased out, or handed back at the end of their lease, as some are leased, will remain and have their leases extended," he told Reuters in an interview at the airline's headquarters in Taoyuan, home to Taiwan's main international airport. Boeing has not given China Airlines an exact timeframe for the 787-9 delays, though it has said deliveries will "basically" start from the end of 2025, added Kao, a pilot by training who started out as a flight attendant and became chairman in March. "This is written into the contract," he said, when asked whether China Airlines would seek compensation. "For example, if it's in the supply chain, the responsibility is Boeing's, and Boeing has to provide some compensation. But if it's not, then there is no compensation. It's all recorded in the contract." Boeing did not respond to a request for comment. Other airlines are facing similar issues. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh, whose group represents airlines globally, this month called predictions of aircraft delivery delays throughout this decade "off-the-chart unacceptable". Still, Kao was upbeat about expansion plans, pointing to the more fuel-efficient 777-9s and A350-1000s ordered last year that will enable more capacity to be added to routes like New York and London, and a new third terminal at Taoyuan airport, the first section of which is expected to open later this year. He signalled further aircraft additions ahead for subsidiary Mandarin Airlines, which flies almost exclusively domestic routes with ATR-72 turboprops and is getting a revamp to focus on regional routes from southern and central Taiwan with new jet aircraft. "I can talk about this with aircraft lessors," he said, without disclosing the jet models it could add. "We have this plan, to let Mandarin Airlines grow up." China Airlines faces competition at home not only from long-established rival EVA Air but also rapidly growing Starlux Airlines, which last week placed an order for ten more A350s. Kao said while the Taiwan market itself was small, transit traffic, which all three airlines are focusing on, meant supporting three full-service airlines was not an issue. Seoul's Incheon airport is too big, meaning passengers can get lost, Tokyo's landing fees are too expensive and Hong Kong has "political issues", whereas Taoyuan airport's new terminal will greatly improve the travel experience, he said. "Our passengers are not all Taiwanese; many are transit. Because Taiwan's location, connecting the Pacific to all of Asia, is really very convenient." - Reuters
New Straits Times
24-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Taiwan's China Airlines postpones retirement of older planes due to Boeing 787 delays
TAOYUAN: Taiwan's China Airlines is postponing the retirement of some of its older aircraft due to delays in getting Boeing 787-9 jets that may result in compensation payments from the planemaker, the carrier's newly appointed chairman said. Taiwan's oldest airline, established in 1959, is in the midst of a fleet renewal, last year splitting an order for new long-haul aircraft worth almost US$12 billion at list prices between Boeing and European rival Airbus. China Airlines has also ordered 24 Boeing 787s for regional and some longer-distance routes, including 18 787-9s and six of the stretched 787-10 variant. But Chairman George Kao said China Airlines' fleet renewal plan to replace ageing Airbus A330s and Boeing 737-800s with 787-9s and A321neos was being hit by delays in getting new aircraft delivered, especially the 787-9s. "We are at present being greatly impacted. Some aircraft that were scheduled to be phased out, or handed back at the end of their lease, as some are leased, will remain and have their leases extended," he told Reuters in an interview at the airline's headquarters in Taoyuan, home to Taiwan's main international airport. Boeing has not given China Airlines an exact timeframe for the 787-9 delays, though it has said deliveries will "basically" start from the end of 2025, added Kao, a pilot by training who started out as a flight attendant and became chairman in March. "This is written into the contract," he said, when asked whether China Airlines would seek compensation. "For example, if it's in the supply chain, the responsibility is Boeing's, and Boeing has to provide some compensation. But if it's not, then there is no compensation. It's all recorded in the contract." Boeing did not respond to a request for comment. Other airlines are facing similar issues. International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General Willie Walsh, whose group represents airlines globally, this month called predictions of aircraft delivery delays throughout this decade "off-the-chart unacceptable." Still, Kao was upbeat about expansion plans, pointing to the more fuel-efficient 777-9s and A350-1000s ordered last year that will enable more capacity to be added to routes like New York and London, and a new third terminal at Taoyuan airport, the first section of which is expected to open later this year. He signalled further aircraft additions ahead for subsidiary Mandarin Airlines, which flies almost exclusively domestic routes with ATR-72 turboprops and is getting a revamp to focus on regional routes from southern and central Taiwan with new jet aircraft. "I can talk about this with aircraft lessors," he said, without disclosing the jet models it could add. "We have this plan, to let Mandarin Airlines grow up." China Airlines faces competition at home not only from long-established rival EVA Air but also rapidly growing Starlux Airlines, which last week placed an order for 10 more A350s. Kao said while the Taiwan market itself was small, transit traffic, which all three airlines are focusing on, meant supporting three full-service airlines was not an issue. Seoul's Incheon airport is too big, meaning passengers can get lost, Tokyo's landing fees are too expensive and Hong Kong has "political issues", whereas Taoyuan airport's new terminal will greatly improve the travel experience, he said.
Malay Mail
23-06-2025
- Malay Mail
Travel Smart: Get Rewarded for Flying Direct to Hualien from Hong Kong
2 hours to Hualien—mountains, sea, and culture in reach. HUALIEN, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 June 2025 – Discover a new side of Taiwan with the new direct flight from Hong Kong to Hualien, launched in late 2024 by HK Express. Operating four times a week, this route makes it easier to reach Hualien's stunning landscapes without the hassle of transfers or long train rides. Travelers can also fly to Kaohsiung on China Airlines and then connect to Hualien with Mandarin Airlines. Also, The Hualien County Government is offering 1,000 limited travel incentives, valid for the entire is famous for its majestic mountains and Pacific coastline. Just 15 minutes from the city center is Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot, currently hosting the Pacific Ocean International Rock Balancing Festival. You can also enjoy boat tours to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. While some areas of Taroko National Park are under maintenance, visitors can still explore the peaceful Taroko Visitor Center and stay at the nearby five-star Silks Place as one of the world's most welcoming cities, Hualien offers natural healing amid mountains, sea, and the East Rift Valley's rice fields and tea plantations. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture through unique dining experiences and guided forest attract more international visitors, the Hualien County Government is offering the "Sustainable Travel in Hualien" program rewards groups of 12 or more who book through certified local agencies and stay two or more nights. Rewards include NT$2,000 (about HK$500) per person plus NT$1,000 for each additional night, available through November highlights include a pop-up water park at Liyu Lake (Jul. 12–Aug. 10), the Hualien Summer Festival concerts (Jul. 23–27), and the Hualien Starry Night Concert in partnership with the beloved global IP(Aug. 2 in Fuli and Aug. 23 at Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot). Don't miss the Pacific Austronesian Joint Harvest Festival, taking place from July 18 to 20—a vibrant celebration of indigenous music, dance, cuisine, and cultural to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature and culture? This summer, treat yourself to an impromptu getaway with a direct flight to more information or to find a travel agency, visit the official "Sustainable Travel in Hualien" website: Hashtag: #HualienCountyCulturalAffairsBureau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
Zawya
23-06-2025
- Zawya
Travel Smart: Get Rewarded for Flying Direct to Hualien from Hong Kong
HUALIEN, TAIWAN - Media OutReach Newswire - 23 June 2025 – Discover a new side of Taiwan with the new direct flight from Hong Kong to Hualien, launched in late 2024 by HK Express. Operating four times a week, this route makes it easier to reach Hualien's stunning landscapes without the hassle of transfers or long train rides. Travelers can also fly to Kaohsiung on China Airlines and then connect to Hualien with Mandarin Airlines. Also, The Hualien County Government is offering 1,000 limited travel incentives, valid for the entire trip. Hualien is famous for its majestic mountains and Pacific coastline. Just 15 minutes from the city center is Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot, currently hosting the Pacific Ocean International Rock Balancing Festival. You can also enjoy boat tours to spot dolphins and whales in their natural habitat. While some areas of Taroko National Park are under maintenance, visitors can still explore the peaceful Taroko Visitor Center and stay at the nearby five-star Silks Place Taroko. Known as one of the world's most welcoming cities, Hualien offers natural healing amid mountains, sea, and the East Rift Valley's rice fields and tea plantations. Immerse yourself in indigenous culture through unique dining experiences and guided forest exploration. To attract more international visitors, the Hualien County Government is offering the "Sustainable Travel in Hualien" program rewards groups of 12 or more who book through certified local agencies and stay two or more nights. Rewards include NT$2,000 (about HK$500) per person plus NT$1,000 for each additional night, available through November 2025. Summer highlights include a pop-up water park at Liyu Lake (Jul. 12–Aug. 10), the Hualien Summer Festival concerts (Jul. 23–27), and the Hualien Starry Night Concert in partnership with the beloved global IP The Little Prince (Aug. 2 in Fuli and Aug. 23 at Ci Sing Tan Scenic Spot). Don't miss the Pacific Austronesian Joint Harvest Festival, taking place from July 18 to 20—a vibrant celebration of indigenous music, dance, cuisine, and cultural traditions. Looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature and culture? This summer, treat yourself to an impromptu getaway with a direct flight to Hualien. For more information or to find a travel agency, visit the official "Sustainable Travel in Hualien" website: Hashtag: #HualienCountyCulturalAffairsBureau The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Tourism Department, Hualien County Government
