China Airlines takes delivery of Airbus A321neo. Photo: Airbus
China Airlines receives its first Airbus A321neo
The Taiwan-based China Airlines took delivery of its first Airbus A321neo and thus become one more operator of this type of aircraft. A jet was received in Hamburg on lease from Air Lease Corporation on November 29 and flew to its new home in Taipei.
A new narrow-body specs and technologies
The first A321neo features a total of 180 seats in a comfortable two-class layout with 12 lie-flat premium business class seats and 168 economy class seats. A manufacturer powered the plane with fuel-efficient Pratt&Whitney PW1100G engines.
Many options on a new aircraft were introduced for the first time in the segment, and some of them pursue COVID-19 prevention measures:
- business class seats created for the widebodies jets and adapted on narrow-body passenger aircraft
- seats are now wider and tooled with adjustable extra-height partitions
- sensor-activated taps to minimize the risk of infection in the closet
- the high-efficiency air filtration system that replaces the air inside the cabin every 2-3 minutes
The CAL narrow bodies are equipped with a high-efficiency Cargo Loading System that is supposed to provide 10 to 20% more cargo capacity and thus enforce the airline's position in the global market of cargo services.
Also, A321neo is prepared to use sustainable aviation fuel that provides a reduction of up to 80% in carbon emissions, compared to traditional aviation fuel.
In-flight entertainment
China Airlines' new jet comes with the latest and most advanced 4K in-flight entertainment system that can be utilized with a personal mobile phone, picture-in-picture technical feature that allows passengers to access the catering, map, entertainment, or any other services at the same time. For the convenience of customers, high-speed onboard Wi-Fi and free text messaging via apps like WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Apple iMessage, Viber, Line, and Line2 are also available. Web browsing and online video streaming service are provided for money.
An order details
In total, the Taiwan-based airlines have on order 25 this type of jet. The first A321neo arrives on lease from Air Lease Corporation. Fourteen of the A321neos will come under lease packages while 11 directly from the manufacturer. Air Lease Corporation has confirmed an order for 6 aircraft to deliver to China Airlines.
John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation commented on the deal:
"ALC is honored to be the first to introduce the A321neo to our long-time customer China Airlines. The A321neo will become the backbone of China Airlines’ single-aisle fleet, providing fleet expansion and modernization, and elevation of their passenger experience to new levels. The greater fuel efficiency and operating flexibility of the A321neo will also maximize profitability and further China Airline's environmental sustainability goals".
What do you think about this news? Let us know in the comments.
Sign in to comment