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When you think about long haul flights  heading to the Los Angeles area,  

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you would expect all of these flights to head  to Los Angeles international airport. After all,  

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this facility has long been the dominant  gateway between North America and Asia. 

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Yet, one airline is flying to another,  much smaller LA area airport. Indeed,  

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China Airlines offers a direct flight  from Taipei to Ontario, California! 

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Let’s take a look at this  service for today’s video…

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The route launched in March 2018. This unusual choice has sparked  

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curiosity among travelers and industry experts  alike: Why would an airline choose Ontario, a  

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relatively smaller airport just over 35 miles east  of Los Angeles, for a major transpacific route? 

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Well, we’re guessing anyone who has traveled  in and out of LAX already knows the answer.

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But for everyone else, who  has yet to figure it out,  

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the main reason for China Airlines to  choose Ontario over LAX is congestion.

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LAX is one of the busiest airports globally,  handling over 80 million passengers annually,  

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with international traffic contributing  significantly to frequent delays. Ontario  

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International Airport, in contrast, offers  a quieter environment with far less traffic,  

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enabling smoother operations, quicker turnaround  times, and a higher on-time performance rate.

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For China Airlines, this less congested  setting translates into reduced waiting times  

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for travelers, making the overall journey  from Taiwan to California more seamless.

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This decision aligns with Ontario’s broader  mission to attract more international routes  

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Ontario International Airport has actively worked  to attract international carriers, often offering  

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favorable terms to airlines willing to operate  there. In China Airlines' case, the airport  

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authority provided benefits like reduced landing  fees and lower operating costs compared to LAX.

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These financial incentives make Ontario  an attractive base of operations,  

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allowing China Airlines to offer competitive fares  while maintaining profitability on the route.  

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Additionally, as the first transpacific airline  to operate from Ontario, China Airlines enjoys  

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a unique advantage in capturing the local market  without direct competition from other airlines.

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China Airlines’ decision to shift some  capacity from LAX to Ontario is rooted  

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in the demographics of Southern  California’s Taiwanese communities,  

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which benefit from such a route. Ontario  International Airport’s proximity to these  

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communities makes it a convenient choice  for travelers visiting family or conducting  

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business in Taiwan. By establishing this direct  route, China Airlines connects Taiwan to a large  

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and concentrated customer base, providing an  accessible departure point tailored to local  

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needs while also appealing to the broader  Asian-American population in the region.

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Ontario’s less hectic environment appeals  to passengers who prefer a quieter airport  

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with a more relaxed travel experience. As  the only transpacific airline at Ontario,  

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China Airlines not only attracts  Asian-American travelers but  

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also draws passengers looking for  alternatives to the crowded LAX,  

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with connections through Taipei on to other  destinations in East and Southeast Asia.

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Initially, the airline operated the Taipei-Ontario  route with Airbus A350-900 aircraft. However, the  

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airline later introduced Boeing 777-300ER  aircraft, which offers increased seating capacity.

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What do YOU think of this interesting airport  choice? Let us know by leaving a comment!

Expanding Horizons: China Airlines' Route to Ontario, California

In the realm of long-haul flights, there's an unexpected twist. While most flights heading to the Los Angeles area naturally aim for the bustling LAX, China Airlines has charted a different course, offering a direct flight from Taipei to Ontario, California. This unconventional choice, launched in March 2018, has piqued the interest of travelers and industry experts alike. But why Ontario, a smaller airport over 35 miles east of LAX, for such a significant transpacific route?

The Logic Behind the Choice

The answer lies in one word: congestion. Los Angeles International Airport, a global aviation hub, handles a staggering 80 million passengers yearly, leading to frequent delays, especially in international travel. In contrast, Ontario International Airport offers a peaceful oasis with far fewer flights, ensuring smoother operations, quicker turnarounds, and a higher on-time performance rate. For China Airlines, this translates to reduced waiting times, creating a seamless travel experience from Taiwan to California.

Strategic Benefits

Ontario International Airport's proactive approach to attract international carriers plays a crucial role. By offering favorable terms like reduced fees and operating costs compared to LAX, the airport becomes an appealing operational base. This enables China Airlines to provide competitive fares while ensuring profitability. Furthermore, being the sole transpacific airline operating from Ontario gives China Airlines a competitive edge, capturing the local market without direct competition.

Meeting Community Needs

The decision is deeply tied to Southern California's Taiwanese communities, conveniently located near Ontario International Airport. By establishing a direct route, China Airlines caters to this demographic, connecting Taiwan to a substantial customer base. This not only benefits local travelers but also resonates with the broader Asian-American population in the region. The serene atmosphere of Ontario appeals to passengers seeking a quieter, relaxed travel experience amid the hustle of the airline industry.

Future Prospects

With its route to Ontario, China Airlines taps into a market seeking alternatives to the bustling LAX, providing connections through Taipei to East and Southeast Asia. The airline's shift to Boeing 777-300ER aircraft reflects its growth and commitment to serving passengers efficiently. This unique airport choice opens up new possibilities for travelers, offering a gateway that aligns with both local needs and broader travel preferences.

In conclusion, China Airlines' decision to operate from Ontario showcases a blend of strategic planning, community focus, and passenger convenience. As the airline continues to expand its horizons, the choice of Ontario proves to be a smart move, resonating with travelers seeking a more peaceful and efficient travel experience. Whether you're a frequent flyer or an aviation enthusiast, this unconventional airport choice by China Airlines is indeed a captivating development in the world of air travel. What are your thoughts on this unique route? Feel free to share in the comments!