Service to Osaka?

[Speedbird1]

I was at the beach yesterday and saw a CAL B744 pass overhead heading via the CRI VOR 13L Approach. I did research and learned that the flight, CAL 20 came from Kansai (Osaka). Is this a new flight? I never read that CAL was starting direct service from Japan to JFK.

[lijk604]

I never read that CAL was starting direct service from Japan to JFK.

Check here...in THIS forum: http://nycaviation.com/forum/threads/39986-China-Airlines-Begins-Daylight-service-tomorrow-4-28

[Art at ISP]

I thought it very interesting that CAL would do JFK-KIX, not sure there was enough demand. In past, UA has tried LAX and ORD to KIX, and DL/NW tried DTW-KIX, but none lasted too long. I had thought LAX would be a winner with all the Japanese companies in SoCal whose HQ's are near Osaka, but it didn't take. I used to go to my company factory in Kyoto 3-4 times a year during a specific project and would have to take UA JFK-SFO-KIX and back.

I wonder what changed to think China Airlines would do well on this route--anyone have any clue how it's doing?