Category Archives: China Airlines

China Airlines operates the last Boeing 747 revenue flight

China Airlines on Saturday (March 20) operated its last Boeing 747 revenue flight. The special scenic flight (flight CI 2747) was operated with the pictured Boeing 747-400 B-18215 (below) which was also last Boeing 747-400 to be built.

The airline issued this statement:

China Airlines, the Taiwan-based carrier, will soon begin retiring the 747-400 passenger aircraft “Queen of the Skies” from service. The limited-edition final passenger-carrying mission generated much fan interest and all tickets were sold within 5 minutes of going on sale. Thus a “747 Queen of the Skies Farewell Party” one-day micro-trip was launched on March 20 by China Airlines. Aircraft B-18215, the last 747 delivered to China Airlines by Boeing in April 2005, was assigned to fly flight CI-2747 in homage to Queen of the Skies.

For the “747 Queen of the Skies Farewell Party”, check-in began at 7:47 a.m. followed by an exclusive ground-side itinerary at Gate D6, Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport. This included a tour of each cabin class aboard the 747 passenger aircraft as well as a super-sized capsule vending machine for 747 peripherals. A one-of-a-kind 747 photo booth was also set up on the day to fulfill the wishes of travelers kept from international travel for so long.

China Airlines flight CI-2747 was the last passenger-carrying flight of the 747-400 before its retirement and commemorated the aircraft’s service with China Airlines. More than 350 passengers gathered to send off the Queen of the Skies. The flight departed from Taoyuan Airport at 11:30 a.m. and flew to Japan, circling around Mt. Fuji before returning. The flight lasted around 5 hours and 40 minutes, and arrived back at Taoyuan Airport at 17:10. China Airlines prepared 747 surprise packs stuffed with goodies for the passengers. These included a limited-edition Farewell Party model aircraft, embossed face mask, tail-fin keyring, canvas bag, flight safety pack, and navy blue China Airlines amenities kit. Passengers also had the chance to win exclusive gifts such as a Mt. Fuji glass and 747 liveried aircraft model. Passengers were even presented with a commemorative flight certificate during the flight.

First class services were recreated for this micro-trip. Teriyaki eel rice and Grilled beef tenderloin with port wine sauce for example were presented course by course in the traditional manner. The classic Plum Blossom porcelain and vintage Pol Roger champagne all served to highlight the 5-star experience of First Class on the 747; Business Class was served with Kabayaki eel rice in Shokato style and Roasted chicken with baked cheese pasta; the Economy Class menu featured Sakura shrimp with fried noodles and Chicken with Japanese fried egg. For dessert, there was 747 Queen of the Skies cupcakes and aircraft-shaped cookies from a secret menu. Passengers were able to enjoy a variety of different Japanese cuisine aboard the flight.

The first 747-400 in Asia was introduced by China Airlines and the fleet has served to link Taiwan with North America, Europe, and Australia for the past 30 years. During this time, they carried nearly 100 million passengers and were the mainstay of China Airlines’ high-capacity and long-range routes. In 1993, China Airlines used the 747-400 to launch the Taipei (TPE Airport) to New York (JFK Airport) service, the longest direct route in the world at the time; the all-new Plum Blossom corporate logo that China Airlines introduced in 1995 also made its first appearance on the 747-400. It is the only aircraft to have featured three generations of the corporate logo. In 2003, it carried out a Lunar New Year charter flight that passed through Hong Kong airspace to land directly in China for the first time. This was the first Taiwanese cross-strait flight to land at Shanghai-Pudong airport in 54 years. China Airlines thanks the 747-400 passenger aircraft for its contributions to Taiwan and China Airlines, and hopes that every passenger will always remember the Queen of the Skies. (2021/03/20)

Top Copyright Photo: China Airlines Boeing 747-409 B-18215 (msn 33737) TPE (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 929564.

China Airlines aircraft slide show:

China Airlines readies first Boeing 777F for new era in cargo services

China Airlines today (December 16) celebrates its 61st anniversary. Its first Boeing 777F is also ready to enter service. The new 777F twin-engine freighters being introduced by China Airlines will bring greater performance and fuel efficiency to the carrier’s freighter fleet, paving the way for the launch of next-generation air cargo services in the post-pandemic era.

China Airlines Chairman Su-chien Hsieh said that the freighter fleet played a crucial role even as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the global airline industry almost to a standstill. The carrier not only put all 18 of its 747-400 freighters into service but also increased weekly freighter flights by 20%. It also put the belly hold of its passenger aircraft to good use and pioneered the use of passenger cabins for carrying cargo. Cargo revenues between January and November this year were increased by 83% over the same period last year as a result, becoming a lifeline for China Airlines during these trying times. Special appreciation must therefore go to all employees and the cargo services team in particular.

Hsieh also noted that the six 777F China Airlines has on order are slated to be delivered between 2020 and 2023. The first 777F arrived in Taiwan on December 1 and a further two will be delivered before the end of January 2021. The three 777F will give China Airlines Cargo Services an edge over the competition once they all enter service. The fleet of 21 freighters will pave the way for a new generation of air cargo services by China Airlines in the post-pandemic era. The demand for freighter aircraft from vaccine transport and the general freight market should help boost cash flow for China Airlines Cargo Services.

The first China Airlines 777F has the aircraft registration of B-18771. Using the aircraft number of a 747F retired in 2004 symbolizes the passing of the baton between generations. The new freighter will carry on China Airlines’ legacy of being the sixth largest air cargo carrier in the world and take it to even greater heights. To welcome the latest addition to the China Airlines family and give the new fleet its own distinctive look, an all-new livery was developed that retains “CARGO” in corporate colors and carries on the China Airlines spirit through the plum blossom. The freighter will soon be assigned to flying freight routes in Asia and North America as soon as it has completed preparation and validation.

The 777F features twin engines that translate into 20% lower fuel consumption and a range longer than the 747F. It can therefore be flown on trans-Pacific routes with fewer payload restrictions and better hold utilization. The aircraft is equipped with fully temperature-controlled cargo holds and the main cargo hold can be fitted with cargo pallet restraint systems used for carrying semiconductor machinery and engines. High-value cargo such as precision instruments and temperature-controlled goods can all be carried in the future. China Airlines is the first carrier in Taiwan to be certified by the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) for temperature-controlled cold chain logistics so far.

China Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

China Airlines aircraft slide show:

Air Lease Corporation announces lease placement of six new Airbus A321neo aircraft with China Airlines

Air Lease Corporation has announced long-term lease agreements with China Airlines (Taiwan) for six new Airbus A321neo aircraft.

The aircraft will deliver to the airline beginning in 2021 through 2022 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.

China Airlines finalizes its order for six Boeing 777 Freighters

China Airlines has finalized its agreement with Boeing to order six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. The carrier, which currently operates one of the world’s largest 747 Freighter fleets, plans to transition to the largest and longest range twin-engine freighters in the industry as it launches operations from Taipei to North America, a key market that provides higher yields for the carrier.

China Airlines, which marks its 60^th anniversary this year, currently operates 51 Boeing airplanes, including 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range), 19 Next-Generation 737s, four 747-400s and 18 747 Freighters.

Image: Boeing.

China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its future single aisle fleet

China Airlines (CAL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft and will acquire another 14 aircraft of the type on lease. CAL has selected the A321neo to meet future requirements in the single aisle category.

These 25 aircraft will join the Airbus fleet at the airline currently comprising 23 A330s and 14 A350 XWBs.

Image:

China Airlines intends to upgrade fleet with Boeing 777 freighters

Boeing and China Airlines today announced the airline’s intent to order up to six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. China Airlines plans to transition to the world’s largest and longest range twin-engine freighter as it launches operations from Taipei to North America and Europe – two key markets that provide higher yields for the carrier.

The order will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.

The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) with a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs). The airplane will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter and superior ton-mile economics. In addition, the 777 Freighter features market-leading capacity for a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck. This allows for lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

China Airlines operates 51 Boeing airplanes. The addition of 777 Freighters will enable the carrier to streamline maintenance and parts for its 777 fleet. The carrier uses a number of Boeing Global Services solutions to support their operations, including Boeing’s Airplane Health Maintenance and Maintenance Performance Toolbox on all of their 777, 747-400 and Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These data-driven platforms track real-time airplane information, providing maintenance data and decision support tools that allow technicians to quickly and correctly resolve issues. On the ground and in the air, China Airlines’ entire fleet uses Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Pro and access to digital navigation charts to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.

Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.

Image: Boeing.

China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its regional narrow body operations

China Airlines has made this announcement:

After assessing all relevant aircraft features and considering the congestion of neighboring airports in Asia, China Airlines have selected Airbus A321neo as the optimum aircraft for the regional narrowbody operations. China Airlines will first introduce 14 leased A321neo which will enter into service starting in 2021, and the negotiation for additional 11 firm and 5 option aircraft orders will be initiated simultaneously.

The introduction of the new narrowbody fleet will be another important milestone for China Airlines after the 10 777-300ER and 14 A350-900. With the addition of the new A321neo, China Airlines will be able to deploy new generation aircraft to both long-haul routes and regional routes, and enjoy all the benefits including operational efficiency and better economics.

As a continuation of the new generation cabin products already provided by China Airlines 777-300ER and A350-900, brand new cabin designs will be implemented in the new narrowbody aircraft, including seating configuration and in-flight entertainment system. This way China Airlines branding will remain seamless throughout the whole fleet, providing diversified and advanced services to further enhance passenger experience.

China Airlines celebrates 60 years of flying with a new logo

China Airlines is celebrating its 60th Anniversary. The airline is adding is adding a new 60th Anniversary logo, as seen on the pictured B-18917.

The airline made this announcement:

China Airlines is now in its 60th year of operations and has played a pivotal role throughout the history of Taiwan aviation. To celebrate its 60th anniversary, China Airlines has revealed its liveried aircraft on an A350-900 featuring the 60th anniversary logo for the first time. The A350-900 passenger aircraft is the airline’s mainstay on long-haul routes and the 60th-livery first flight on CI-24 service between Taipei and Ontario, California (U.S.) also celebrates the successful operation of this new route in the past 12 months.

The number “60” in China Airlines’ corporate identity colors of blue and red served as the inspiration for the 60th anniversary logo. The logo in the shape of “GO” and the infinity symbol “∞” is planned to progressively applied to the A350-900, A330-300, 737-800, 777-300ER, 747-400 and 747-400F(freighter) fleets,inviting travelers around the world to join in sharing the 60 years of joy and growth at China Airlines. The US Ontario route introduced in 2018 allows China Airlines to serve two airports in the Greater Los Angeles region. The route has proved popular with customers due to its convenience and unique offering. Its choice as the first destination to be flown by the China Airlines 60th anniversary liveried aircraft provides ample demonstration of the carrier’s commitment to the North American market.

More products will be launched by China Airlines for its 60th anniversary. The all-new amenity kits for Premium Business Class and Premium Economy Class have been very well-received by travelers, for example. The in-flight entertainment system will also be upgraded in April with up to 16 HD movies available on demand in all A350-900 and 777-300ER cabin classes. A “Birthday Promotion Discount” has been launched by the China Airlines website as well. Dynasty members can log into the birthday special section in their birthday month to receive 5% off their fare for flights operated by China Airlines. Up to one travel companion on the same reservation code is eligible for the discount as well.

China Airlines has transformed Taiwan into one of the top international air hubs and is continuing to create new legends up in the skies. China Airlines will continue to embrace its vision of being “Taiwan’s preferred airline” for the next 60 years to come.

Image for China Airlines' 60th Anniversary Liveried Aircraft

China Airlines cancels flights due to its pilots strike

China Airlines has issued this statement:

Due to Pilot Union Strike, the latest flight information from February 8 to February 11, 2019 are as below.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.

• Flight to/from TSA(Sungshan) :

Will not be affected.

• Flights to/from RMQ(Taichung) :
Will not be affected.

• Flight Cancellation / Delays :

Date / Status

Route

2019-02-08 (Fri.)

Cancelled

CI711/712 KHH – MNL v.v.

CI933/934 KHH – HKG v.v.

CI915/916 TPE – HKG v.v.

CI023/024 TPE – ONT v.v.

CI192 TNN – KIX

CI106 TPE – NRT

CI112 TPE – HIJ

CI177 KIX – KHH

CI921 TPE – HKG

CI837 TPE – BKK

2019-02-09 (Sat.)

Cancelled

CI922 HKG – TPE

CI113 HIJ – TPE

CI838 BKK – TPE

CI933/934 KHH – HKG v.v.

CI861/862 TPE – PNH v.v.

CI935/936 KHH – HKG v.v.

CI2581 KHH – PVG

CI012 TPE – JFK

CI032 TPE – YVR

CI601/602 TPE – HKG v.v.

CI751 SIN – SUB

CI176/177 KHH – KIX v.v.

2019-02-09 (Sat.)

Delay

CI120/121 TPE – OKA v.v.

CI503/504 TPE – PVG v.v.

CI521/522 TPE – CAN v.v.

2019-02-10 (Sun.)

Cancelled

CI011 JFK – TPE

CI031 YVR – TPE

CI752 SUB – SIN

CI053 TPE – BNE(02-11) – AKL

CI055/052 TPE – SYD v.v.

CI188/189 TPE – PUS v.v.

CI861/862 TPE – PNH v.v.

CI919/920 TPE – HKG v.v.

CI927/928 TPE – HKG v.v.

CI711/712 KHH – MNL v.v.

2019-02-10 (Sun.)

Delay

CI935/936 KHH – HKG v.v.

2019-02-11 (Mon.)

Cancelled

CI054 AKL – BNE – TPE

Below Copyright Photo: China Airlines Airbus A350-941 B-18902 (msn 057) ONT (Michael B. Ing). Image: 945645.

Airbus and China Airlines present this A350-900 with a special joint livery

Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) has taken delivery of its newest A350-900 aircraft, which features a unique joint livery that combines the airline’s distinctive plum blossom logo with Airbus’ exclusive A350 XWB carbon fibre pattern.

Following this delivery, China Airlines today has 14 A350-900 aircraft in its fleet. The airline operates these aircraft on nonstop long haul routes, including services from Taipei to Europe and North America as well on selected routes in the Asia-Pacific region.

Since entry into service in 2015, the A350 XWB has established itself as the new long range leader in the larger twin aisle category. Over 200 aircraft are already in service with 22 airlines, flying primarily on long haul routes.

At the end of September 2018, Airbus had recorded a total of 890 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 46 customers worldwide, already making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft programmes ever.

Innovations introduced with the A350 XWB Family include the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these features translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel consumption compared with older generation aircraft of the same size, as well as significantly lower maintenance costs.

Photo: Airbus.