China Airlines received delivery of their first Airbus321neo in Hamburg today. The aircraft cabin emphasizes contactless service and epidemic prevention measures while featuring Premium Business Class, the latest IFE system with large displays and high-speed Wi-Fi.
On Monday (November 29, 2021), Taiwan-based China Airlines announced the delivery of their first Airbus A321neo, which took place in Hamburg today. The new aircraft’s cabin has been designed to emphasize contactless service and enhanced epidemic pandemic measures, while featuring upgrades such as Premium Business Class with fully lie-flat seats, the latest inflight entertainment (IFE) system with the largest screens, high-speed Wi-Fi and free text messaging. With its spacious, comfortable cabin, high efficiency cargo-hold system and improved fuel efficiency, the A321neo will become China Airlines’ mainstay aircraft on regional routes.
China Airlines’ new A321neo is configured with 180 seats including 12 Premium Business Class and 168 Economy Class seats. A first in the domestic airline industry in the Republic of China (Taiwan), the carrier has introduced smart link support, allowing guests to connect to the IFE system via their own personal mobile device and Bluetooth headphones. As previously mentioned, thoughtful touches have been added throughout the cabin to limit contact, including contactless, sensor-activated taps in the lavatories.
The airline’s new A321neo’s IFE system features 15.6” and 13.3” 4K high resolution extra-large displays in Premium Business and Economy Class, which include picture-in-picture multi-processing functionality while allowing passengers to access the flight map, catering and other services simultaneously. The onboard high-speed Wi-Fi service features free text messaging for seven apps including WeChat, Facebook Messenger, Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Viber and Line2. Guests can access other internet options via credit card or by redeeming Dynasty Flyer Program miles, such as streaming multimedia and web browsing.
Cabin Interior of China Airlines' New Airbus A321neo - Courtesy of China Airlines
The Airbus A321neo offers a fuel efficiency that is 15-20 percent better than previous generation narrowbody aircraft, as well as a noise footprint and NOx emissions which have been reduced by 75 percent and 50 percent, respectively. On today’s ferry flight from Hamburg, China Airlines used sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), to reduce carbon emissions by a further eight percent, representing the airline’s commitment to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Upon arrival in Taiwan, the aircraft will go through a preparation and certification process, and will then be progressively introduced on Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia and Cross-strait routes.
Source: China Airlines