New operator of A321neo - China Airlines- advanced high-comfort cabin and contactless protection

China Airlines (CAL) has become the latest operator of the A321neo, following the delivery of its first aircraft of the type, on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC). The aircraft operated with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF provides a reduction of up to 80% in carbon emissions over its lifecycle, compared to traditional jet fuel. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seats 180 passengers in a two-class layout. The A321neo incorporates the Airbus Cabin Flex, which enables optimal use of space by relocating various fixtures and fittings, providing the highest levels of passenger comfort. 

CAL’s A321neo will be able to fly on routes of up to seven hours from Taipei. CAL’s A321neos also come with a Cargo Loading System that enables container cargo operations, further reinforcing the airline and Taipei’s position as a global air freight hub.Altogether CAL will acquire 25 A321neo aircraft, comprising 11 directly ordered from Airbus and 14 under lease agreements. The A321neo will form the core of CAL’s single-aisle fleet and offers cockpit commonality with CAL’s existing A330 and A350 aircraft.

The A321neo is a member of the A320neo Family, which offers the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky and incorporates the latest technologies, including new-generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat.

Control of Personalized Entertainment System via Mobile Phone

The China Airlines A321neo passenger aircraft is configured with 180 seats including 12 in Premium Business Class and 168 in Economy Class. The cabin configuration itself has been fine-tuned to meet passenger requirements and support contactless service for epidemic prevention in the post-COVID-19 era. 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 neighboring seats.

In a first for the domestic airline industry, smart link support has been introduced by China Airlines. All passengers can now connect to the in-flight entertainment system via their personal mobile phone and Bluetooth headphones. Thoughtful touches in the lavatory include 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 to ensure a clean and safe trip.

High-speed in-flight Wi-Fi and Mobile App with Free Text Messaging

The China Airlines A321neo is equipped with the industry’s latest in-flight entertainment system that provides every passenger with personalized multimedia content in their seats. The 15.6” and 13.3” 4K high-resolution, extra-large displays in Premium Business and Economy Class 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. 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 favorite shows via their personal 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.

Cargo Hold Capacity Increased by 10 ~ 20% with Faster and Safer Loading

China Airlines Air Cargo is ranked No.5 in the world and the new fleet will introduce further refinements to its cargo services. 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.

Sustainable Aviation Fuel to Protect the Environment

The A321neo’s fuel efficiency is 15 to 20% better than that of the previous generation of narrow body aircraft. Noise footprint and NOx emissions have also been reduced by up to 75% and 50% respectively. China Airlines even 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%. Actual improvements in fuel efficiency represent China Airlines’ commitment to achieve net zero on carbon emissions by 2050, reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment. 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, further strengthening China Airlines’ position in the regional market.

China Airlines (CAL) has become the latest operator of the A321neo, following the delivery of its first aircraft of the type, on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).

The aircraft operated with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF provides a reduction of up to 80% in carbon emissions over its lifecycle, compared to traditional jet fuel. The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seats 180 passengers in a two-class layout. The A321neo incorporates the Airbus Cabin Flex, which enables optimal use of space by relocating various fixtures and fittings, providing the highest levels of passenger comfort. 

CAL’s A321neo will be able to fly on routes of up to seven hours from Taipei. CAL’s A321neos also come with a Cargo Loading System that enables container cargo operations, further reinforcing the airline and Taipei’s position as a global air freight hub.Altogether CAL will acquire 25 A321neo aircraft, comprising 11 directly ordered from Airbus and 14 under lease agreements. The A321neo will form the core of CAL’s single-aisle fleet and offers cockpit commonality with CAL’s existing A330 and A350 aircraft.

The A321neo is a member of the A320neo Family, which offers the widest single-aisle cabin in the sky and incorporates the latest technologies, including new-generation engines and Sharklets, delivering a 20 per cent reduction in fuel consumption per seat.