July data for the 40 China–US passenger routes—including services via Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan—shows a clear split between load factor and raw volume. Xiamen (XMN) to Los Angeles (LAX) recorded the highest passenger load factor at 96.64%, the best performance nationwide. The route, operated by Xiamen Airlines, filled 7,211 of its 7,462 seats, ranking 28th by passenger count.
Hong Kong (HKG) to Seattle (SEA) followed with a 95.83% load factor, and Shanghai (PVG) to New York (JFK) came in third at 95.82%. These figures underscore the strength of trans-Pacific demand even as capacity remains constrained on many routes.
Passenger volume leaders
In terms of absolute passenger numbers, the top three routes were:
- Taipei (TPE)–San Francisco (SFO): 102,480 passengers
- Hong Kong (HKG)–Los Angeles (LAX): 98,233 passengers
- Hong Kong (HKG)–San Francisco (SFO): 79,341 passengers
The divergence between load factor and volume is the most telling signal. Routes serving Hong Kong and Taipei benefit from their hubs' transit advantages, with frequent flights and ample capacity capturing a large share of trans-Pacific traffic. Xiamen–Los Angeles, by contrast, achieves near-full occupancy on strong regional demand, making it a classic example of a direct route with high demand but limited supply.
Both Fujian-based routes—Xiamen–Los Angeles and Fuzhou (FOC)–New York (JFK)—maintained high load factors, indicating steady demand for business travel, family visits, and study abroad from Fujian and surrounding regions. Fuzhou–New York posted a 92.61% load factor, carrying 4,784 passengers on 5,166 seats, ranking 34th by volume.
However, constraints involving traffic rights, wide-body aircraft allocation, and international transit connectivity limit the ability to add frequencies. In the near term, these routes are unlikely to match the scale of services operating from established international hubs.
The performance of Xiamen–Los Angeles also highlights the broader trend of secondary Chinese cities gaining direct access to the US market. As carriers like Starlux expands its US network, the competitive dynamics on trans-Pacific routes continue to evolve. For travel professionals, the load factor data offers a clear view of where demand is outpacing supply—and where opportunities for capacity increases may emerge.
Looking ahead, the China–US market remains one of the most closely watched in global aviation. With Lufthansa boosting its Japan services and other carriers adjusting schedules, the trans-Pacific landscape is shifting. The high load factors on Xiamen and Fuzhou routes suggest that demand from Fujian is robust, but the path to more capacity will require regulatory and operational adjustments.
For now, the July data serves as a reminder that load factor and passenger volume tell different stories. While hub routes dominate in absolute numbers, the efficiency of secondary routes like Xiamen–Los Angeles is a key indicator of untapped potential. As China's business travel spending continues to grow, the demand for direct connections between secondary cities and US gateways is likely to intensify.
Travel agents and corporate travel managers should note the load factor trends when advising clients on trans-Pacific bookings. The near-full flights on Xiamen–Los Angeles mean limited availability, and early booking is essential. Meanwhile, the high-volume routes via Hong Kong and Taipei offer more flexibility but may involve longer connections.
In summary, the July data reveals a market in transition. Secondary Chinese cities are proving their viability as trans-Pacific gateways, but infrastructure and regulatory hurdles remain. The coming months will show whether carriers can translate this demand into sustainable capacity growth.
