China Airlines reported record nine-month earnings as demand for artificial intelligence hardware fueled freight operations, though passenger business remained subdued compared to cargo’s robust performance.
The Taiwanese carrier posted NT$155 billion ($5 billion) in revenue for the first nine months of 2025, up 2.68% from a year earlier, with net income climbing to NT$11 billion ($355 million), or NT$1.81 per share. Third-quarter cargo revenue surged 13.64% year-over-year, benefiting from Taiwan’s booming server and AI-related equipment exports to global cloud providers.
The company cited sustained demand for e-commerce shipments, aircraft components, and fresh produce, alongside maintenance and cargo-handling fees, which drove other operating revenue to NT$12.9 billion ($416 million) in the third quarter, up 18%.
Yet China Airlines’ modest 2.68% revenue growth suggests the carrier faces pricing pressure despite strong freight volumes as Taiwan’s AI export boom attracts competition. The airline’s reliance on cargo exposes it to potential downturns if hyperscaler capital spending slows.
For the passenger business, the company anticipates holiday travel demand during the fourth quarter. China Airlines launched 24-hour live customer service for Taiwan and North American routes, with plans to expand the service to Hong Kong and Tokyo markets by early 2026.
