China Airlines received the delivery of its first Airbus A321neo aircraft on 29th November. Let’s see what has been delivered to improve the passenger experience.
What lies behind the entrance?
The China Airlines A321neo passenger aircraft is configured with 180 seats including 12 in Premium Business Class and 168 in Economy Class.
The product features 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 neighbouring seats. Business Class is in a 2-2 formation.
Seat in full-flat mode – Image, China Airlines
Side on – Image, China airlines
Meanwhile, in Economy Class, it looks like some effort has been spent in the cabin too. The cabin maintains a standard 3-3 layout.
Economy Cabin – Image, China Airlines
Including some rather smart storage for those with Personal Electronic Devices (or tablets and phones).
That’s a little bit smart – Image, China Airlines
Smart link support has been introduced by China Airlines. All passengers can now connect to the in-flight entertainment system via their mobile phone and Bluetooth headphones.
The lavatory includes 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.
Connectivity
The China Airlines A321neo is equipped with 15.6” and 13.3” 4K high-resolution, extra-large displays in Premium Business and Economy Class.
Down the cabin with the Business Class IFE- Image, China Airlines
Economy Class IFE – Image, China Airlines
They 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. They will offer 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 favourite shows via their 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.
Don’t forget the cargo too
In these times, cargo belly space is important as companies seek to move precious cargo in tight deadlines 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.
Introduction to Service
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.
For passengers, it’s going to be an uplift in service no matter what as China Airlines replace and expand their existing Boeing 737-800 fleet.
And it’s still amazing what you can do inside an A321 cabin to give it a premium feel – and not just stuff it full of seats.
Images- China Airlines
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