China Airlines eyes short, medium-haul recovery

China Airlines expects its short- to medium-haul passenger network to recover first, with long-haul recovery expected to be “full of challenges” in the near-term given rising fuel prices. Still, the SkyTeam carrier notes that when — and how — it resumes regular international flying will depend on the governmental regulations. Taiwan still restricts general travellers from entering, though it recently eased measures to allow business travellers and selected migrant workers to enter. In a statement issued following the release of its full-year financial results, China Airlines says it will “strengthen” its regional routes first with its newly-delivered fleet of Airbus A321neos. “In the future, depending on the relaxation of Taiwan border and transfer restrictions, we will gradually put [the aircraft] into operation on routes in Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and both sides of the Taiwan Strait,” the airline says. China Airlines took delivery of its first A321neo in 2021, and expects to take eight more jets this year. On cargo, the airline — which reported record revenue on freight operations in 2021 — expects further “growth momentum” this year. <br/>