Non-stop Dulles-Taiwan

[Anonymous]

WTOP this morning reported MWAA is negotiating with an airline in Taiwan to start non-stop flights between Taipei and Dulles. Probably these would be 787s or A350s, considering range, the smaller market than NYC, and the fleet makeup.

My guess is they are talking with Eva (BR) and China Airlines (CI). (Despite the name, CI is a Taiwan airline not a PRC airline.)

Does anyone know more?

[Anonymous]

Starlux.

https://simpleflying.com/starlux-airlines-new-us-route-early-2026/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Starlux.

https://simpleflying.com/starlux-airlines-new-us-route-early-2026/

Why would they choose DC as their first US destination beyond the west coast, and not New York? China Airlines and Eva Air already fly to New York.

Eva Air is probably the most likely as they are a Star Alliance partner with United, and thus can sell connections on United from their Dulles hub.

[Anonymous]

If Eva did start flying to IAD, then China Airlines likely would follow. China Airlines would be upset if Eva had a broader US network.

[Anonymous]

Eva is the far superior airline. China Airlines is terrible. Hopefully it isn't them. A Star partner makes partial sense, although I don't think this route would be profitable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Eva is the far superior airline. China Airlines is terrible. Hopefully it isn't them. A Star partner makes partial sense, although I don't think this route would be profitable.

Agreed- there are lots of reasons there are so few Asia routes to Dulles, and none of those have significantly changed.

[Anonymous]

Are we sure it’s not Cathay Pacific?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Are we sure it’s not Cathay Pacific?

Their hub is in Hong Kong not Taiwan, so no.

They did have a flight from Hong Kong to Dulles for 2 years, but that was a COVID casualty that hasn't returned. They have been hurt really badly by the Chinese crackdown in Hong Kong. I doubt they will return to Dulles, but never know.