On July 15, China Airlines began nonstop flights between Taipei and Seattle-Tacoma, being the third carrier to operate in this segment along with EVA Airways and Delta Air Lines. In North America, China Airlines also serves Los Angeles, Ontario, San Francisco, New York-JFK and Vancouver.
The inaugural service ceremony was attended by China Airlines President Kao Shing-Hwang and Vice President of Public Relations Lu Shwu-Huoy, Sam Cho, Commissioner of the Port of Seattle, Mia Gregerson, Washington State Representative in the House of Representatives, Daniel Kuo-ching Chen, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, and Arif Ghouse, Chief Operating Officer of SEA.
“We are delighted to welcome China Airlines’ new service to Taipei and to expand our partnership with the airline, connecting families and businesses to our region. There is much potential to foster mutually beneficial opportunities in tourism and business between our two regions. This partnership helps enhance our presence in Taipei and beyond,” said Sam Cho, Commissioner of the Port of Seattle.
Over the years, China Airlines has operated cargo services at Seattle-Tacoma Airport. It now offers commercial flights at this destination, which is a strategic hub for the Skyteam alliance.
Flight schedule between Taipei (TPE) and Seattle (SEA)
- Flight 021: SEA 13:40 – TPE 05:05+1 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
- Flight 022: TPE 23:30 – SEA 19:50 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
The route is operated on Airbus A350-900 aircraft with 306 seats in three classes: 32 Business Class, 31 Premium Economy and 243 Economy.
International service in Seattle
The China Airlines flight is the fifth new international service to begin at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in 2024. Earlier this year, airlines that started international routes at Seattle include Delta Air Lines to Taipei, Lufthansa to Munich, Hainan Airlines to Chongqing and Alaska Airlines to Toronto.
Seattle-Tacoma now offers 52 services to 33 international destinations on 25 different airlines. There are currently three new services scheduled for this year: STARLUX Airlines to Taipei in August, Philippine Airlines to Manila in October and Alaska Airlines to Liberia/Guanacaste in December.