China Airlines began service from Taipei to Seattle on July 14, 2024

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) celebrated its 75th anniversary on July 9, 2024, followed by welcoming its fifth new international route this year, with China Airlines’ Taipei (TPE)-Seattle route just a few days later on July 14, using an Airbus A350-900.

The schedule is as follows:

SEA commenced flight operations on July 9, 1949. Things were a lot different back then – the general public was allowed on the ramp to view the aircraft, and the terminal was tiny compared to what it’s become.

A photo from opening day at SEA – Image: Port of Seattle

In 1949, the airport had eight gates and served 130,549 passengers that year. Fast-forward to 2024, and SEA has 89 gates and serves an average of 140,000 passengers every single day.

More interesting factoids: SEA’s first international service was with Japan Airlines in 1959. Today, there are 25 international carriers serving 33 global destinations.

A China Airlines A350 on final to SEA on a flight a few days after the inaugual – figured you’d enjoy seeing at least one photo that wasn’t backlit

Which nicely leads us back to … airplanes!

China Airlines inaugural TPE-SEA flight taxiing to the gate

China Airlines Cargo has long served Seattle; the recent inaugural passenger flight is the airline’s sixth North American destination, and its debut for passenger service to the U.S. Pacific Northwest.

The arriving aircraft received a traditional water-cannon salute from the airport fire department. The late-afternoon sun made for some interesting photo challenges

China Airlines is the third airline to offer direct service to Taipei, competing for passengers with Delta Air Lines and EVA Air.

Workers performed a post-flight walkaround after the engines were turned off

It’s always a fantastic experience to get out onto the ramp for an aircraft arrival, especially an inaugural.

And congratulations to SEA for 75 successful years!

EDITOR-AT-LARGE / DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - SEATTLE, WA Francis Zera is a Seattle-based architectural, aerial, aviation, and commercial photographer, a freelance photojournalist, and a confirmed AvGeek.

https://www.zeraphoto.com
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