China Airlines, based in Taiwan, received the delivery of its first A321neo passenger aircraft on November 29, Hamburg time. The new fleet emphasizes contactless service and enhanced epidemic prevention measures. Upgrades include Premium Business Class with fully-flat seats, the latest in-flight entertainment system, as well as the largest displays, the high-speed Wi-Fi connection, and free text messaging. The A321neo with its spacious, comfortable cabin interior, high-efficiency cargo hold system with increased capacity as well as improved energy and fuel efficiency will become China Airlines’ mainstay on regional routes.

 

 

The China Airlines A321neo passenger aircraft is configured with 180 seats including 12 in Premium Business Class and 168 in Economy Class. The cabin configuration itself has been fine-tuned to meet passenger requirements and support contactless service for epidemic prevention in the post-COVID-19 era. Fully-flat Premium Business Class seats developed for widebody passenger aircraft have also been introduced on a narrow body passenger aircraft for the first time. Each seat is now wider and equipped with adjustable extra-height partitions for privacy and reduced contact with neighboring seats.

 

In a first for the domestic airline industry, smart link support has been introduced by China Airlines. All passengers can now connect to the in-flight entertainment system via their personal mobile phone and Bluetooth headphones. Thoughtful touches in the lavatory include contactless, sensor-activated taps to reduce the risk of cross-infection. The added HEPA high-efficiency air filtration system also replaces the air inside the cabin every 2 to 3 minutes to ensure a clean and safe trip.

 

 

The China Airlines A321neo is equipped with the industry’s latest in-flight entertainment system that provides every passenger with personalized multimedia content in their seats. The 15.6” and 13.3” 4K high-resolution, extra-large displays in Premium Business and Economy Class include picture-in-picture multi-processing functionality while allowing passengers to access the flight map, catering and other services at the same time.

 

High-speed in-flight Wi-Fi service is also provided onboard the aircraft. Free text messaging is available for 7 apps including Line, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Viber and Line2 for staying connected. Other internet access options that passengers can pay for via credit card or redeem in full with their membership miles are include streaming multimedia, browsing the web and catching up on their favorite shows via their personal mobile devices while in-flight. Non-Dynasty members can also join the “Dynasty Flyer Program” through the dedicated sign-up page aboard the aircraft. New applicants will receive 1,000 miles while the promotion lasts.

 

 

China Airlines Air Cargo is ranked No.5 in the world and the new fleet will introduce further refinements to its cargo services. The Cargo Loading System specified for the belly hold of the A321neo uses pallet containers for more efficient cargo handling, shorter transit stops, as well as protect cargo and passenger luggage. The system means large cargo can also be carried and handled easily. The belly hold can be configured for bulk cargo as well for greater flexibility depending on local airport requirements. The new A321neo aircraft is expected to provide 10 to 20% more cargo capacity and provide a valuable boost to China Airlines’ current emphasis on cargo operations.

 

 

The A321neo’s fuel efficiency is 15 to 20% better than that of the previous generation of narrow body aircraft. Noise footprint and NOx emissions have also been reduced by up to 75% and 50% respectively. China Airlines even arranged for the new A321neo aircraft to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels on the ferry flight back to Taiwan to reduce carbon emissions by another 8%. Actual improvements in fuel efficiency represent China Airlines’ commitment to achieve net zero on carbon emissions by 2050, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. The new A321neo aircraft will first go through the preparation and certification process once it arrives in Taiwan. It will then be progressively introduced on Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and Cross-strait routes in response to demand in the travel and cargo market, further strengthening China Airlines’ position in the regional market. (2021/11/29)