Published: Sep 16, 2026
China Airlines, a Taiwan-based carrier, and SkyTeam marked the 15th anniversary of China Airlines joining SkyTeam, a key milestone for both parties, at a celebration in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, attended by China Airlines President Kevin Chen and SkyTeam CEO Patrick Roux. China Airlines became the first Taiwanese airline to join a global airline alliance in 2011, leveraging the SkyTeam's network and members to expand China Airlines' international presence.
The SkyTeam network spans 960 destinations in 165 countries served by more than 13,880 flights each day. Through codeshare and interline ticketing, China Airlines has expanded its footprint, offering passengers seamless connections with convenient check-in and baggage transfer services. SkyPriority also delivers a smoother airport experience throughout the journey. Business Class passengers and SkyTeam Elite Plus members enjoy the SkyPriority benefits, including priority check-in, baggage handling, priority boarding, and other privileges at more than 950 key airports around the world, as well as access to 850 VIP lounges. Also, Dynasty Flyers can earn and redeem miles across SkyTeam members, enjoying greater flexibility and rewards throughout their journeys.
China Airlines President Kevin Chen said that joining SkyTeam was an important milestone in the airline's international strategy. During the past 15 years, China Airlines has built up its competitive strength within the global airline alliance network and deepened collaboration with other member airlines. In response to the constantly evolving aviation market, China Airlines is leveraging the alliance's resources to grow its market as well as engage with SkyTeam partners on innovations in services and business operations. In recent years, China Airlines has also actively participated in SkyTeam’s The Aviation Challenge (TAC), aiming at jointly exploring new possibilities in carbon reduction and sustainable development for the aviation industry. In the future, China Airlines will continue to strengthen global connectivity and create an even better flying experience for passengers.
Patrick Roux, the CEO of SkyTeam, stated that China Airlines has been an important member in Asia. Thanks to Taiwan's central location as well as the airline's extensive regional network and advantages in passenger and cargo services, China Airlines plays a key role in connecting Asia with global markets through SkyTeam. SkyTeam’s Digital Spine technology connects member airlines and powers services that enhance the customer journey, including seamless check-in, baggage tracking, and mileage accrual and redemption across networks. This technology improves service efficiency and the traveler experience across SkyTeam members. Roux looked forward to building on SkyTeam's strong collaboration with China Airlines to develop an even more comprehensive global network and innovative services.
China Airlines announced that it has signed a codeshare agreement with Virgin Atlantic, a fellow SkyTeam member. The partnership will initially see China Airlines place its flight number on selected Virgin Atlantic-operated flights. The two carriers are currently working towards the launch of the arrangement in the near future. Virgin Atlantic is based out of Heathrow Airport in London. In the future, the two carriers will leverage the synergies of their complementary networks to enhance services between Taiwan and the UK. Travelers will have even more options for flying between Asia and Europe. The latest agreement shows how China Airlines is continuing to strengthen its partnership with SkyTeam members, as well as how SkyTeam resources are being leveraged to expand international markets and unlock more opportunities for collaboration.
China Airlines has been cultivating the European market for 40 years and currently flies to six key European destinations, namely Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London, Rome, Prague, and Vienna with up to 30 direct flights each week, making China Airlines the airline with the most destinations and the busiest schedule for direct flights to Europe in Taiwan. In addition to its own services, China Airlines also partners with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Air France, and Air Europa to offer codesharing on flights to major European cities in the UK, France, Spain, Germany, and Finland. There are also Rail & Fly partnerships with Deutsche Bahn, Great Western Railway, and the National Railway Company of Belgium to provide convenient transfer services for both tourists and business travelers.
China Airlines' market expansion has been accompanied by continued upgrades to customer experience. With the official opening of the new SkyTeam Lounge at Frankfurt Airport’s Terminal 3, China Airlines passengers can now enjoy a more comfortable, updated airport lounge space and boutique services while waiting to depart on long-haul routes. (2026/09/16)
