China Airlines transfers a LAX service to Ontario, California

Taiwan’s China Airlines has moved one of its two daily Los Angeles International Airport (LAX/KLAX) services to Ontario, California, in the eastern part of the metropolitan area, to get closer to ethnically Chinese people living there.

The service from Taipei is the first direct Asian connection for Ontario International(ONT/KONT), the carrier said, adding that it “has now set its sights on the market for travel between Greater Los Angeles and Southeast Asia.”

“Ontario Airport’s superb location means it’s close to local Chinese communities and can attract travelers from the east side of Greater Los Angeles,” China Airlines said.

The San Gabriel Valley in eastern Los Angeles is a popular residential location for immigrants from Taiwan and China and their descendants. ONT is about 80 km (50 mi.) east of LAX.

Boeing 777-300ERs are flying the Taipei-Ontario route, which opened March 25.

The unusual move means that China Airlines has reduced its frequency at LAX to one flight a day.

The carrier said it undertook extensive studies and assessments before shifting one daily service to ONT. Average bookings are already 70% full, “despite March through to April being the off-peak season.” 

(Bradley Perrett - Aviationweek / ATWOnline News)