China Airlines vs Xiamen Airlines (XiamenAir)

Overview

China Airlines is the state-owned flag carrier of Taiwan. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 7 September 1959 and began operations in December 1959. It is part of the China Airlines Group, with headquarters at CAL Park in Taoyuan, and it is a member of the SkyTeam alliance. Group companies include China Airlines Cargo, Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan. Its call sign is DYNASTY.

Network and hubs

The main hub is Taipei Taoyuan International Airport. Kaohsiung and Taipei Songshan are focus cities. The airline serves about 100 destinations across Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania. That figure comes from a Wikipedia article that still carries some 2017 data, so check the current route map on the airline's website.

Fleet

Wikipedia's fleet table, dated August 2026, lists 85 aircraft in service. This includes 18 freighters, so the passenger fleet is about 67 aircraft:

• Airbus A321neo: 22
• Airbus A330-300: 12
• Airbus A350-900: 18
• Boeing 737-800: 5
• Boeing 777-300ER: 10

The table shows orders for Airbus A350-1000, Boeing 777-9, 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft. The 787-9 deliveries are listed as starting in 2027. The A321neo is replacing the 737-800, and the A330-300 is due to be replaced by the 787.

On board

Long-haul aircraft such as the A350-900 and 777-300ER have Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins. The A321neo and 737-800 have Business and Economy only. Layouts vary by aircraft, and some A350-900s have different configurations. Meals are served on board, and special meals can be ordered in advance. Seat pitch, entertainment and Wi-Fi details were not confirmed in the sources used, so check the airline's website for your aircraft.

Good to know

• Lounges: China Airlines runs Dynasty Lounges, nine in total at seven airports. They are open to Business Class passengers and to Dynasty Flyer Gold, Emerald and Paragon members. Elsewhere, SkyTeam partner or local lounges are used.
• Loyalty: Dynasty Flyer has three elite tiers: Gold, Emerald and Paragon. Elite members can get a higher checked baggage allowance and can upgrade their tickets.
• Baggage and fees: allowances and change fees differ by fare and route. Check the official website before booking.

Overview

Xiamen Airlines, branded XiamenAir, is a Chinese airline based in Xiamen, Fujian. According to Wikipedia, it was founded on 25 July 1984 and was the first airline in China to operate independently as an enterprise. China Southern Airlines owns 51%. XiamenAir is a member of SkyTeam. Its subsidiaries include Hebei Airlines and Jiangxi Airlines.

Network and hubs

The main hubs are Xiamen and Fuzhou, with Beijing–Daxing and Hangzhou as secondary hubs. Focus cities include Changsha, Chongqing, Quanzhou, Shanghai–Hongqiao, Tianjin and Yinchuan. SkyTeam lists about 101 destinations in 18 countries and roughly 590 daily departures. The network covers China, Southeast and Northeast Asia, Europe, Australia and North America. Routes Online reports a planned first Africa route, Xiamen–Addis Ababa, using a Boeing 787-8.

Fleet

Wikipedia and SkyTeam give a fleet of 172 aircraft, with an average age of about six years per SkyTeam. Routes Online quotes a larger figure of 220 aircraft, which appears to use a different basis. Long-haul flying uses Boeing 787-8 and 787-9 aircraft (10 in total, according to Routes Online). The rest of the fleet is Boeing narrow-body aircraft, including the 737 MAX per Wikidata. Check the airline for current counts.

On board

Business and Economy cabins are offered. Economy fares are sold in several brands: Light, Standard, Comfort and Flex. Some domestic flights have a First Class cabin. Seat pitch, meal and entertainment details were not confirmed from the sources reviewed and vary by aircraft and route.

Good to know

• Cabin baggage: one bag up to 5 kg and 55x25x35 cm, according to XiamenAir. First Class passengers may carry two items on domestic flights.
• Checked baggage: on the same page, Business allows 2 x 32 kg and Economy 2 x 23 kg on the routes listed. Domestic allowances are lower (20 kg in Economy) and international allowances depend on the fare brand.
• Excess baggage: the baggage page lists fees for extra pieces, for example CNY 1,400 for a first additional 23 kg piece on the route group shown.
• Lounges: Plaza Premium lounge access applies to Business Class passengers and to Egret Gold and Silver cardholders.
• Loyalty: the programme is Egret Miles, and SkyTeam elite status gives extra baggage allowance.