IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Ontario International Airport kicked off a new era Sunday, when China Airlines’ flight #C124 landed there.
The flight, which originated at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport, arrived at 1:20 p.m. carrying 298 passengers and crew members, according a statement.
It marked the beginning of the Ontario International’s first nonstop transoceanic service. Before Sunday, the airport’s international carriers were AeroMexico and Volaris.
“We welcome China Airlines, its passengers and crew members with open arms,” said Alan D. Wapner, president of the Ontario International Airport Authority, in the statement. “This is a great day for aviation in Southern California.”
China Airlines originally planned to run four flights a week to Ontario International, but it increased that number to seven shortly after the flights were announced because of stronger-than-expected interest. The airline is marketing Ontario International as Southern California’s new gateway to Asia, according to the statement.
The return flight, #C123, left at 3:45 p.m. carrying 338 passengers and crew members.
China Airlines expects to carry about 80,000 passengers on the Ontario International – Taiwan Taoyuan route during its first year in operation, according to the statement.
