China Airlines Ontario (ONT) to Taipei (TPE) direct flight route has achieved a new milestone. On the evening of February 2nd (Monday), the route welcomed its one millionth lucky passenger. This record not only highlights the effectiveness of China Airlines in Southern California but also drives a 30% growth in international travel volume at Ontario Airport, establishing it as a crucial gateway from Southern California to Asia.
The event was carefully prepared with Taiwanese specialties such as salt and pepper chicken, bubble milk tea, and gua bao for passengers to enjoy for free. Additionally, three other lucky passengers on the same flight were drawn and presented with exquisite souvenirs on the spot.
That night, long-time business traveler between the United States, Taiwan, and China, Cheng Zhi-en, surprisingly became the one-millionth passenger on that route. Cheng Zhi-en joked that when he received the award notification, his first reaction was to doubt whether it was a scam, saying, “I have never won a prize before, this New Year’s gift is truly surprising.”
As a loyal customer of China Airlines for many years, Cheng Zhi-en received round-trip business class tickets from Ontario to Taipei as a gift from China Airlines, along with exquisite souvenirs from Ontario Airport. He mentioned that since immigrating to the United States with his family in the 1970s, he has been visiting Taiwan every summer and winter vacation, and now handling official business. The stable service quality of China Airlines and the friendliness of the cabin crew have always been his first choice.
Cheng Zhi-en believes that the Ontario route is highly attractive to business travelers, with its main advantage being “efficient connections.” Departing from Los Angeles at night and arriving in Taipei allows seamless connections to early flights to Shanghai and Shenzhen, “Sleeping and waking up in your destination saves a lot of time.”
Moreover, compared to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), the clearance process at Ontario Airport is smoother, with less traffic pressure. Cheng Zhi-en lives in Orange County, and the commute between Los Angeles and Ontario airports is similar, but considering traffic time, Ontario is more convenient. This route also allows him to stay in Taipei for a few days to visit family and friends, achieving a balance between work and family life.
Eren Cello, Senior Vice President of Communications and Marketing at Ontario International Airport, highly values this milestone. She stated that according to the latest data, international passenger volume at Ontario Airport grew significantly by 30% last year, outperforming other competing airports as Ontario Airport excelled, thanks to China Airlines’ contribution.
“This route not only connects two cities but also connects the entire Southern California with Asia. It is a significant driving force for regional economy, serving a large Asian population,” Eren Cello commented.
China Airlines team also shared their future operational vision. Zhang Qiu-hua, Marketing Manager of China Airlines in the Americas, stated that they have recently optimized their route services, including upgrading the premium economy class specifications, improving onboard dining, and updating onboard bedding.
China Airlines has also deepened cooperation with Southwest Airlines to promote “one ticket to the end” and luggage through-check service. This allows passengers traveling from the U.S. interior to Asia to skip the tedious luggage retrieval process, facilitating seamless connections for passengers.
Summing up, Pool Zhi-chao, General Manager of China Airlines Americas cargo center, pointed out that since the route’s inauguration in 2018, it has consistently been at the top in terms of passenger load factor. In the future, they will continue to optimize clearance and transportation convenience, consolidating Ontario’s position as a benchmark for international routes.