Taiwanese flag carrier China Airlines (CAL) will form a codeshare partnership with Russia’s Transaero Airlines (TSO) from May 1, 2013, connecting Taipei Taoyuan with Moscow twice a week.
The partnership effectively links up one of CAL's Taipei-Bangkok flights with a Bangkok-Moscow service operated by TSO. Both legs will be serviced by the Boeing 747.
From the Taiwanese capital to Bangkok the flight will be coded CI833/UN7833 (departing Taiwan 0720 every Tuesday and Sunday), and from Bangkok to the Russian capital, the flight will be UN524/CI9300. On the return leg, the flight numbers will be UN523/CI9301 (departing Russia 1135 every Wednesday and Saturday) and CI836/UN7836 respectively.
Check-in and baggage drop-off procedures can be completed at the point of departure at Taipei or Moscow, and baggage will be automatically checked to the final destination. The service will be offered twice a week. The total travel time including transit is about 14.5 hours.
The service will cut down both airlines’ operational costs and provide passengers with travel convenience.
Meanwhile, the partnership will also provide VIP lounge services. First and business class passengers as well as the two airlines’ VIP members are offered access to lounges in Taipei, Bangkok and Moscow.
The partnership is also the first airline pact between Taiwan and Russia.
Nino Lin
