Taipei: Taiwan-based China Airlines (CAL) announced plans to boost flights to key European destinations and establish a codeshare partnership with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines for a new route to Helsinki, Finland, set to launch next year. This strategic move aims to expand CAL’s network and enhance passenger and cargo operations.

According to Focus Taiwan, the announcement was made during an investor conference, where a CAL spokesperson expressed optimism about the airline’s 2026 outlook. The airline’s focus will be on expanding passenger services and strengthening its cargo operations to cater to the growing global demand. CAL Chairman Kao Shing-hwang noted that the Asian market is expected to lead a 3-4 percent annual growth in global passenger demand over the next decade.

Air traffic between Taiwan and the United States has seen a significant increase of about 30 percent in recent years, solidifying Taiwan’s position as a regional transit hub. Kao highlighted that transfer traffic will remain a focal point for the airline next year.

CAL President Kevin Chen revealed that the airline will take delivery of five to seven Boeing 787s in 2026, alongside the continued introduction of A321neo aircraft to boost network flexibility. Additionally, China Airlines will inaugurate flights to Phoenix, Arizona, on December 3, offering three weekly services. The airline also plans to adjust its New York flight frequency based on market demand next year.

For its European routes, CAL will increase flights to London to five per week and expand the Prague route to three weekly flights starting April next year. In the Asian region, the airline has already increased its Chiang Mai route to daily direct flights and will expand the Tokyo Narita route from three weekly flights to daily service.

Chen mentioned that China Airlines is evaluating potential new destinations in North America and Northeast Asia. The planned codeshare with KLM will make Helsinki a new addition to CAL’s European destinations, with prospects for direct service contingent on market demand.