China Airlines is owned by theChina Airlines Group, which is headquartered atCAL Park and also operates China Airlines Cargo, a member ofSkyTeam Cargo, which operates a fleet of freighter aircraft and manages its parent airline's cargo-hold capacity. Its sister airlines includeMandarin Airlines, which operates flights to domestic and low-demand regional destinations, andTigerair Taiwan, which is alow-cost carrier established by China Airlines and Singaporean airline groupTigerair Holdings but is now wholly owned by the China Airlines Group.[5]
Following the standard utilization of the wide-body747 on the highly profitable Trans-Pacific – United States routes, China Airlines introduced its first two 747-100s (ex-Delta Air Lines aircraft) in 1976 and immediately placed them on its Hong Kong-Taipei-Tokyo-Honolulu-Los Angeles route. Shortly thereafter, four brand new Boeing747SPs (Special Performance) were introduced in 1977. In 1975, three years after the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and China, all flights between Taiwan and Japan were suspended, and not resumed until the following year.[8] The 747SP aircraft made it possible for China Airlines to fly daily nonstop services from Taipei to its North American destinations without stopping over in Japan. It also allowed the airline to introduce flights toSaudi Arabia andSouth Africa.[citation needed] In 1979, the airline switched all operations from the smallerTaipei Songshan Airport to the newly built Chiang Kai-Shek International Airport (nowTaoyuan International Airport). Following the introduction of 747-200s, the airline introduced its first European destination,Amsterdam.[citation needed]
In 1978, with all airlines relocating toNarita International Airport (then New Tokyo International Airport), China Airlines was the sole foreign carrier to useHaneda, which at the time was an exclusive domestic facility; the premise being that air carriers from thePRC and Taiwan were prevented from crossing paths at any Japanese airports.[citation needed]EVA Air joined China Airlines later on, although both eventually moved to Narita, with CAL moving on April 18, 2002.
The next 20 years saw sporadic but far-reaching growth for the company. Later, the airline inaugurated its own round-the-world flight: (Taipei-Anchorage-New York-Amsterdam-Dubai-Taipei).[citation needed]
On February 8, 1990, China Airlines received the first of its initial fiveBoeing 747-400s (B-161).[citation needed] 1993 saw the airline listed on theTaiwan Stock Exchange. The new 747-400s and an earlier order withAirbus for over a dozenA300B4 andA300-600Rs wide body regional jets allowed for addition destination growth. During the 1990s, China Airlines also bought theMcDonnell DouglasMD-11 and had to compete with a new competitor,EVA Air. They also foundedanother airline to deal with the PRC-ROC dispute which borrowed aircraft from China Airlines itself.[9] One of China Airlines's 747-400s (B-164) was also used byPresident Lee Tung-hui during his trip to the United States inJune 1995.[10]
Throughout the 1990s, the airline employed many ex-ROC Air Force pilots. Due to the company's poor safety record in the 1990s, China Airlines began to change its pilot recruitment practices and the company began to actively recruit civilian-trained pilots with proven track records. In addition, the company began recruiting university graduates as trainees in its own pilot training program. The company also modified its maintenance and operational procedures. These decisions were instrumental in the company's improved safety record, culminating in the company's recognition by theIATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).[12]
During the 1990s and early 2000s, China Airlines placed orders for various airliners including theAirbus A330,Airbus A340,Boeing 737-800, as well as for additional 747-400s (both the passenger and freighter version).[citation needed]
China Airlines signed an agreement to begin the process of joiningairline allianceSkyTeam on September 14, 2010[13] and officially became a full member on September 28, 2011.[14] This was marked by an update to the logo of the airline and the typeface in which "China Airlines" is printed. The carrier was the first Taiwanese airline to join an airline alliance.
Since 2012, China Airlines has participated in the Pacific Greenhouse Gases Measurement (PGGM) Project, led by theEnvironmental Protection Administration,Ministry of Science and Technology, andNational Central University. As part of the collaboration, China Airlines installed "In-service Aircraft for a Global Observing System (IAGOS)" on three aircraft: B-18806 (Airbus A340-300) in June 2012, B-18317 (Airbus A330-300) in July 2016, and B-18316 (Airbus A330-300) in July 2017. B-18806 also wore "The Official Airline for Climate Monitoring" special livery. Between July 2012 and September 2017, the PGGM fleet collected greenhouse gases-data from a total of 4682 flights. In May 2017, B-18806 was retired. B-18316 and B-18317 are expected to continue collecting data until 2027.[15][16]
In December 2013, China Airlines announced its new joint venture with Singaporean low-cost carrierTigerair Holdings (now defunct and replaced byBudget Aviation Holdings) to establishTigerair Taiwan. The new airline flew its inaugural flight toSingapore on September 26, 2014, and became the first, and currently only, Taiwaneselow-cost carrier. Tigerair Holdings previously held 10 percent of the shares. As disputes unfolded surrounding the partnership, China Airlines Group re-negotiated with Tigerair Holdings and has now taken full ownership of Tigerair Taiwan.[5][17]
In March 2014, China Airlines announced the "NexGen (Next Generation)" plan to complement its then-upcomingBoeing 777-300ER andAirbus A350-900 XWB. Designed to refresh the brand image of the carrier, the plan included product innovations, new uniforms, and fleet replacements. Through cooperating with designers from theGreater China region, the carrier hoped to introduce unique product offerings that could showcase the beauty of the Orient and the cultural creativity of Taiwan.[18] The first phase of the plan has been completed. In addition to new cabin designs, also introduced were the renovated Dynasty Lounges atTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport and the debut of newWilliam Chang-designed uniforms.[19] The new fleet types allowed the retirement of older aircraft; the A340-300 fleet was fully retired in June 2017, while the 747-400 has been fully replaced on long-haul routes. With the First Class-equipped 747s flying regionally and new long-haul aircraft not featuring First Class, China Airlines terminated First Class services in 2016. First Class seats are now sold as Business Class.[18][20]
Future phases of the NexGen plan include ordering new aircraft to replace older fleet types. In May 2019, the airline announced that it will be introducing theAirbus A321neo, including 14 leased, 11 purchased, and five options, along with three orders and three options for theBoeing 777F. The A321neo will replace the Boeing 737-800 while the 777F will replace the Boeing 747-400F. Cabin design on the A321neo will continue the NexGen design ethos to provide passenger experience cohesive with that of the 777 and A350.[21][22]
Focus has also been put on tapping the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) market. In January 2015, China Airlines established Taiwan Aircraft Maintenance & Engineering Co. (TAMECO), an airline MRO company focusing on Boeing 737 and 777, and Airbus A320, A330, A340, and A350 XWB families' fuselage maintenance. For the project,Airbus is providing a wide range of support, one of which is inviting China Airlines to join the Airbus MRO Alliance (AMA), alongsideAAR Corp,Aeroman,Sabena technics,Etihad Airways Engineering, andGAMECO.[23] Moreover, a joint-venture agreement has been signed withTulsa-based Nordam, specializing in nacelle, thrust reversers, and composite materials, to establish the only Nordam repair center in Asia.[24][25] The first TAMECO hangar, to be completed in March 2019, will be able to accommodate 2 777/A350 and 3 737/A320 sized aircraft at the same time.[26]
Labor-management unrest has been a major issue at China Airlines over recent years. On June 25, 2016, the Taoyuan Flight Attendants Union, representing some 2,500 cabin crew, staged the first strike in Taiwanese aviation history. A total of 122 passenger flights were cancelled during the day-long strike.[27] During the 2019Lunar New Year season, over 600 pilots participated in a seven-day strike by the Taoyuan Union of Pilots. Over 200 flights were cancelled between February 8 and 14.[28]
China Airlines has its headquarters,CAL Park (Chinese:華航園區; pinyin:Huáháng Yuánqū[31]), on the grounds ofTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport inDayuan District (formerly Dayuan Township),Taoyuan City (formerly Taoyuan County). CAL Park, located at the airport entrance, forms a straight line with Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the future Terminal 3.[32]
Previously China Airlines had its headquarters and facilities on the east side ofTaipei Songshan Airport, in the China Airlines Building on Nanjing E. Road, and at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport.[33] The functions were consolidated following the completion of CAL Park. The Taipei Branch Office of the airline remains at the China Airlines Building in downtown Taipei.[34]
Prior to introducing the current plum blossom livery in 1995, the livery of China Airlines featured theflag of Republic of China (Taiwan) on the tail due to commercial and political reasons.[11] The common practice after the move to Taiwan in 1949 was for related enterprises to have the Taiwanese flag. In the 1990s, the airline management stated to theSouth China Morning Post that the logo change to the flower was not because of politics. Han Cheung of theTaipei Times wrote that "the change was reportedly made so that the airline could keep flying to Hong Kong after the 1997 handover to China."[35]
In 2011, the carrier made alterations to its logo as part of refreshing the brand image which were unveiled during theSkyTeam joining ceremony on September 28. A new font was chosen for the company name and a new approach was taken for the appearance of the plum blossom trademark.[36]
China Airlines has had many uniforms since its establishment in 1959. The current uniform was designed by Hong Kong-based costume designerWilliam Chang and introduced in 2015 to celebrate the carrier entering a "NexGen" Next Generation Era.[19]
China Airlines has used differentslogans throughout its operational history. In 2006, the current slogan was introduced to complement the new uniforms and to celebrate its 47th anniversary. China Airlines' slogans have been as follows:
We treasure every encounter (1987–1995)
We blossom everyday (1995–2006)
Journey with a caring smile (2006)
Expect The Coming Greatness (approximately 2016), a slogan featured on marketing material distributed at the San Francisco Orchid Society's Pacific Orchid Expedition, of which China Airlines was a sponsor. The marketing material also referenced "China Airlines presents newly retrofitted Boeing 747-400."
The name China Airlines reflects Taiwan's official name, theRepublic of China.[37][38] This became an issue during theCOVID-19 pandemic when foreign officials and the international press mistakenly identified a number of China Airlines flights repatriating Taiwanese citizens or bringing medical supplies to afflicted countries as related to thePeople's Republic of China rather than the Republic of China.[37] In April 2020, PremierSu Tseng-chang voiced support for changing the name but said that it might come at the cost of the nation's aviation rights. The Premier announced that China Airlines would highlight Taiwan on the fuselage of planes delivering COVID-19 related medical supplies.[39]
The first China Airlines special livery, the "Taiwan Touch Your Heart" tourism-promotional livery, was introduced in 2003. The project was a collaboration between the carrier and the Tourism Bureau of Taiwan. However, the plane was painted back to the normal livery before it left the hangar.[40] Currently, China Airlines has a total of 9 special livery aircraft in service.
Planes currently carrying hybrid liveries:
B-18007 (Boeing 777-300ER) – World's first co-branded Boeing 777 (a variation of the Blue Whale theme previously worn by B-18210 (Boeing 747-400)[41]
B-18918 (Airbus A350-900) – First aircraft in the world to use an Airbus co-branded livery[42]
Plane once carrying a hybrid livery:
B-18210 (Boeing 747-400) – Nicknamed 'Blue Whale'; first aircraft in the world to use Boeing's co-branded livery on the 747-400[41]
In 2016, China Airlines announced that theAirbus A350-900 fleet will have a naming theme that combines endemic birds and unique features of Taiwan. The first two A350s were namedMikado pheasant andTaiwan blue magpie by the airline. The names of the remaining 12 aircraft were selected by the Taiwanese public online from a total of 24 choices.
China Airlines unveiled the firstPokémon Jet in Taiwan as a part of "Pokémon Air Adventures", a collaboration project withThe Pokémon Company.[45] The aircraft is aAirbus A321neo dubbed "Pikachu Jet CI", in whichPikachu (a popular Pokémon representing the franchise) is prominently featured.[46] The jet will have Pokémon themed check in tickets, in-flight items, and merchandise.[47]
In 2009, China Airlines decorated one plane of each of its plane types with the "50th Anniversary" logo. All planes of the series now wear the regular corporate livery or another special livery.
In 2013, China Airlines revealed plans to start a series of Taiwan-themed special livery aircraft. The carrier collaborated with Taiwanese artists, cultural workers, and theTourism Bureau to design the special liveries.[48]
In 2019, China Airlines entered its sixtieth year of operations. As part of the celebrations, the airline announced plans to decorate one aircraft from each of its fleet type with special 60th Anniversary stickers. The logo consisted of the number "60" in China Airlines' corporate colors, blue and red. The design also resembled "GO" and the infinity symbol "∞".[49] All planes of the series now wear the regular corporate livery.
China Airlines currently operates over 1,400 flights weekly (including pure cargo flights) to 178 airports in 29 countries on 4 continents as of January 31, 2024 (excluding codeshare; brackets indicate future destinations).Japan is the most important market of the carrier, with over 180 flights weekly from multiple points in Taiwan to 14 Japanese destinations.[50]
China Airlines has its largest hub atTaoyuan International Airport, which is the largest airport in Taiwan and is located near the national capital ofTaipei. China Airlines operates out of both Terminal 1 and 2 at the airport. Operations to Europe, India, Korea, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia are located at Terminal 1, while those to China, Japan, North America and Oceania are located at Terminal 2. Additionally, China Airlines and its domestic subsidiaryMandarin Airlines operate numerous flights out ofKaohsiung International Airport andTaipei Songshan Airport, the downtown airport of Taipei. International flights from Songshan Airport to three Northeast Asian downtown airports, namelyTokyo–Haneda,Seoul–Gimpo, andShanghai–Hongqiao, have important significance to the carrier, as those routes form a Northeast Asia Golden Flight Circle.[51]
The expansion of China Airlines international presence has long been limited by thepolitical status of Taiwan. Flights to mainland China were not permitted until 2003, when the carrier's Chinese New Year charter flight 585 from Taipei-Taoyuan toShanghai–Pudong viaHong Kong made China Airlines the first Taiwanese carrier to legally land in Chinese mainland and the first carrier to legally fly between the two areas aftertheir split during the civil war.[52] The carrier operated occasional cross-strait charter flights for another few years until 2008, when regular charters flights started. In 2009, a new air service agreement allowed China Airlines to start regularly scheduled flights to the Mainland.[53] Since then, China has quickly become the second-largest market for China Airlines, with over 130 flights to 33 destinations across the Mainland.[54]
In September 2022, China Airlines announced the resumption of flights toBali, the popularIndonesian tourist destination as the travel industry started recovering from the COVID-19 impact.[55]
Between 2011 and 2015, China Airlines focused on strengthening its regional network; starting 2015 until 2020, the carrier is strengthening and expanding its European, North American, and Oceanian network with the new long-haul fleet.[56] After upgrading all its European routes to nonstop services, in late 2017, the carrier launched four weekly services toLondon Gatwick Airport. However, due to theCOVID-19 pandemic, flights toLondon were routed toHeathrow Airport. Although it was planned to move back toGatwick in March 2021, but China Airlines opted to remain serving Heathrow as their scheduledLondon operation.[57] InFrance, as China Airlines does not have rights to operate flights toParis, the airline cooperated withSkyTeam-partnerAir France to launch nonstop flights to the French capital on Air France's airplanes in April 2018. China Airlines sells 40% of the seats on the flight.[58] In July 2023, a twice-weekly service toPrague was launched.[59] In America, daily flights were launched between Taipei andOntario (California) International Airport inGreater Los Angeles in March 2018.[60] Additionally, the carrier has expressed interests in launching European destinations such asBarcelona,Madrid andWarsaw;[61] in North America,Atlanta,Boston,Chicago,Seattle,Montréal, andToronto.[62][63][64][65]
Regarding its regional network, China Airlines is actively supporting the Taiwanese government's "New Southbound Policy" by increasing flights to destinations in southeast Asia. On the other hand, cross-strait routes are being downsized due to tensecross-strait relations.[66]
Additionally, China Airlines is planning on codesharing withBritish Airways. Initial agreements have been struck to cooperate from Taipei-Taoyuan to London-Heathrow and beyond[77]
1 leased aircraft delivered in January 2024 (with previous operatorSAS' cabin configuration).[89] Airbus will retrofit cabins of all 15 aircraft with the 1st one to enter service in 2027.[90]
Original order for 16 787-9s with 8 options later firmed up. 6 787-9s were converted to 787-10s. Deliveries from 2025 to 2028.[96] ReplacingAirbus A330-300.[97]
In May 2019, China Airlines announced that it will be introducing theAirbus A321neo to replace itsBoeing 737-800 fleet. The airline will take delivery of 25 A321neos, including 14 leased and 11 purchased, starting in 2021. The order with Airbus also includes the option for five more of the type.[21]
China Airlines also has options for six A350s. Decision to switch the options to firm orders will be based upon the performance of the aircraft on European nonstop routes.[101] The airline has taken a cautious attitude towards ordering the larger A350-1000 variant due to the large capacity.[102]
Regarding theAirbus A330-300, replacement plans have been underway since 2017.[103] Previously in 2016, a retrofit program was announced to upgrade the in-flight products on the A330. The plan was suspended indefinitely in favor of ordering and leasing new aircraft.[104] On August 30, 2022, the airline announced its decision to orderBoeing 787-9 as the A330-300 replacement. On September 29, 2022, China Airlines made a purchase order for 16 Boeing 787-9 wide-body aircraft.[105] On December 19, 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 10Boeing 777-9s and 10Airbus A350-1000s to supplement and renew its long-haul fleet. The Airbus A350-1000 order was finalized on March 31, 2025 with 10 firm orders and 5 options, and the Boeing 777-9 order was finalized on May 8, 2025 with 10 firm orders and 5 options.
In June 2017, China Airlines completed the retirement of its entireAirbus A340-300 fleet and allBoeing 747-400 delivered before 2004. It has also phased out mostBoeing 737-800 delivered before 2014. The retired A340-300 and Boeing 747-400 are either stored at theaircraft boneyard atVictorville Airport or sold. All stored passenger aircraft are to be sold eventually.[56][106][107][108] The last of the newer Boeing 747-400 passenger fleet with theGeneral Electric CF6 engines was retired in March 2021.[109][110]
China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F leavingAnchorage
China Airlines Cargo, the freight division of China Airlines, currently operates a fleet of 21 freighters to 33 destinations across Asia, Europe and North America. The division also utilizes the cargo space on passenger aircraft of the group. In May 2019, China Airlines signed aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for three orders and three options of theBoeing 777F. The 3 options were later changed to firm orders. The 777F will partially replace the 747-400F fleet.[22] In January 2022, an order for four more 777F aircraft was placed.[111] In August 2022, the airlines said thatAirbus A350F andBoeing 777-8F are both candidates for its next-gen freighters replacing the rest of the 747-400F fleet.[98] On 19 December 2024, the airline announced the intent to order 4Boeing 777-8Fs to supplement the existing 777-200F fleet. The order was finalized on May 8, 2025 with 4 firm orders and 4 options.
China Airlines offers complimentary meals to all passengers. Meals can range from Taiwanese dishes like Braised Pork Rice, to international dishes like Beef with Potatoes. Special meals can be ordered ahead of time.
Dynasty Flyer is China Airlines' frequent flyer program. There are four tiers where three elite tiers are Gold, Emerald, and Paragon. Members can qualify for these elite tiers by earning enough air miles and/or segments within 12 calendar months. Elite members have more privileges such as access to the VIP Lounge, a higher checked baggage allowance, and being able to upgrade their ticket to a different cabin.[112]
In January 2013,SkyTeam-members China Airlines,China Eastern Airlines,China Southern Airlines, andXiamenAir announced plans to establish Greater China Connection. The partnership ensures that members flying the four airlines can enjoy matched benefits and freely change flights to any Greater China Connection partner flights.[113]
TPE T1 Lounge Exclusive AreaTPE T1 Lounge Business Class Area
China Airlines'airline lounges are branded as "Dynasty Lounge". There are a total of nine China Airlines lounges (including one Mandarin Airlines lounge inTaichung) at seven different airports. Lounge services at other China Airlines destinations are offered bySkyTeam, partner airlines, or local operators. Dynasty Lounge is available to Business Class passengers andDynasty Flyer Gold, Emerald, and Paragon cardholders. Two-section lounges include an Exclusive Area, for Dynasty Flyer Emerald and Paragon cardholders, and a Business Class Area, for Business Class passengers and Dynasty Flyer Gold cardholders.
Dynasty Lounge features vary by location. Services typically include meals, refreshments, free Wi-Fi access, computers, televisions, publications, shower facilities, and breast-feeding rooms. Sleeping quarters and tea bars are featured at the newly renovatedTaiwan Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 1 lounge, which was designed by Taiwanese architect Ray Chen.[114]
AtHong Kong International Airport Terminal 1, China Airlines utilises theSkyTeam alliance lounge, in which the carrier, alliance partnerChina Eastern Airlines, and Plaza Premium Lounge lead the designing, management, and operations. The 1,038 square meters lounge is located near Gate 5 and provides a total of 230 seats.[116]
In the United States, China Airlines operates private bus services in selected cities to transport customers between their residing location and the airport.[117]
Between 1994 and 2002, China Airlines suffered four fatal accidents,[125] three of which each resulted in more than 200 deaths. The accidents contributed to the perception of the airline having a poor reputation for safety.[126] Since then, the airline's safety record has seen an improvement. In 2007, in an article published after the explosion ofFlight 120,The Wall Street Journal quoted analysts as saying the airline has had "a marked improvement in safety and operational performance since 2002", with the mid-air disintegration ofFlight 611 being "a catalyst for an overhaul" in its safety practices.[125]
January 2: Flight 227, operated by aDouglas C-47A (B-309), struck the side ofMount Dawu [zh] (大武山, elevation 3090 m), Taiwan after encountering turbulence and a downdraft. The aircraft was operating a domestic scheduled passenger flight fromTaitung Airport toKaohsiung International Airport. All 24 passengers and crew were killed.[127]
February 7, 1980: China Airlines Flight 009, operated by aBoeing 747-200B (B-18255), suffered atailstrike while landing atKai Tak Airport. The plane was ferried unpressurized back to Taiwan to be repaired on the same day. The aircraft involved in the incident would later suffer a mid-air breakup a little more than 2 decades later (22 years to be exact), in 2002, while flying asChina Airlines Flight 611, due to faulty repair work following the tailstrike, which caused metal fatigue following repeated cycles of pressurisation and depressurisation during flights.[132]
February 19, 1985:Flight 006, operated by aBoeing 747SP (N4522V), performed an uncontrolled descent over thePacific Ocean, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft.[135]
February 16, 1986:Flight 2265, operated by aBoeing 737-200 (B-1870), crashed 19.3 km (12.0 mi; 10.4 nmi) offMagong,Penghu, killing 13. During landing, a nose-wheel tire blew. The crew performed a go-around during which the aircraft crashed; the wreckage was located on March 10 in 190 feet of water.[136]
May 3, 1986:Flight 334, operated by aBoeing 747-200F (B-198), was hijacked by its pilot, who landed the aircraft inGuangzhou, where he defected. The ROC government sent a delegation to discuss with their mainland counterpart regarding the return of the aircraft and two remaining crew. The same aircraftcrashed in 1991.[137]
October 26, 1989:Flight 204, operated by aBoeing 737-200 (B-180), struck a mountain near Hualien, Taiwan after the crew used theclimb out procedure for a different runway, causing the aircraft to make a wrong turn. All 54 passengers and crew aboard were killed.[138]
December 29, 1991:Flight 358, operated by aBoeing 747-200F (B-198, the same aircraft that was involved in the Flight 334 hijacking), hit a hillside nearWanli, Taiwan after separation of its No. 3 & 4 engines, killing all five crew on board.[139]
December 7, 1992:Flight 012, operated by aMcDonnell Douglas MD-11 (B-150, which then crashed asFlight 642), suffered altitude loss due toturbulence at 33,000 feet near the town ofKushimoto,Japan. The aircraft recovered from the fall and continued toAnchorage, landing there uneventfully despite the loss of its control elevators, which had been ripped off during the incident.[140]
November 4, 1993:Flight 605, operated by a recently deliveredBoeing 747-400 (B-165), overranKai Tak Airport runway 13 while landing during atyphoon. It had touched down more than 2/3 down the runway and was unable to stop before the end of the runway, ending up in theVictoria Harbour. All 396 people on board were safely evacuated but the aircraft was written off. Thevertical stabilizer was explosively removed to prevent interference with Kai Tak'sInstrument Landing System (ILS).[141]
April 26, 1994:Flight 140, operated by anAirbus A300 (B-1816), crashed while landing atNagoya,Japan due to crew error, killing 264 of 271 on board.[142]
February 16, 1998:Flight 676, anAirbus A300 crashed in a residential neighborhood inTaipei,Taiwan after requesting ago-around, killing all 196 people on board and six on the ground.
August 20, 2007:Flight 120, operated by aBoeing 737-800 (B-18616) inbound fromTaipei, caught fire shortly after landing atNaha Airport inOkinawa Prefecture,Japan. After stopping on the runway, the engine started smoking and burning, later exploding and causing the aircraft to catch fire.[145] All passengers and crew were evacuated without serious injury; a ground engineer knocked over by the blast was unhurt.[146] The aircraft was damaged beyond economical repair.[147] The cause of the fire was attributed to a fuel tank puncture from a loose rightwing slat bolt.[148][149]
January 28, 2022: Flight 5240, operated by aBoeing 747-400F (B-18715), sustained damage to its number 2 engine after skidding on the snow-covered ground and colliding with ground equipment atO'Hare International Airport.[150]
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