China Airlines’ all-new fleet of A321neo aircraft debuted on its first flight on the Taoyuan-Hong Kong route today (3/27). Two daily passenger or cargo-only return flights are scheduled as of today and the fleet will be progressively dispatched to other destinations including Yangon, Palau and Manila. From May 4 onwards, the A321neo will start operating on the prime Songshan-Tokyo (Haneda) route with services every Wednesday and Saturday. Business travelers and tourists returning to the skies in the post-COVID-19 era will be welcomed by brand new cabin facilities, including fully-flat seats in Premium Business Class, the latest in-flight entertainment system, and 4K high-solution displays.
Flight CI909 flying from Taoyuan to Hong Kong took off at 10:24 this morning for the A321neo passenger aircraft’s first passenger-carrying mission. To celebrate the new aircraft’s introduction into service, China Airlines prepared an aromatherapy gift pack with hand wash, lotion, and light perfume for passengers on the first return flight. For peace of mind, passengers also received an in-flight protection pack containing a face mask and alcohol wipes during the journey. A water salute was made by Taoyuan Airport to celebrate the maiden flight of the new aircraft and the start of its commercial service.
The China Airlines A321neo passenger aircraft will be a mainstay on regional routes for China Airlines and is configured for 180 seats including 12 in Premium Business Class and 168 in Economy Class. The spacious and comfortable cabins are designed for contactless service and enhanced epidemic prevention. The current business emphasis on cargo means that the A321neo is equipped with a high-capacity/high-efficiency cargo handling system to be used not only for passenger services but also for cargo-only flights to optimize returns.
The A321neo is 15 ~ 20% more fuel efficient than the previous generation of narrow-body aircraft. Its noise footprint and NOx emissions are 75% smaller and 50% lower respectively as well. China Airlines has twenty-five A321neo aircraft on order with three being progressively introduced into service and seven more being delivered this year. As part of its efforts to become a greener airline, China Airlines 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%. These tangible improvements in fuel efficiency represent China Airlines’ commitment to achieving net-zero on carbon emissions by 2050, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions and protecting the environment.
