Having just deployed its new B777-300ER on the Taipei–San Francisco route, China Airlines looks set to usher in a new travel experience for its customers.
China Airlines chairman Huang-Hsiang Sun; photo by IATA
The carrier’s chairman Sun Huang-Hsiang highlighted the need for China Airlines to continue to invest and improve its products and services in order to remain competitive.
In particular, the “NextGen” initiative (first announced last year) has already seen China Airlines refresh its brand image, gradually replace its older aircraft, and introduce new cabin products and uniforms.
The next step, according to Sun, is to explore the possibility of introducing a new “suites” class into its product offering.
“Many airlines [have eliminated] first class, and changed to premium business, premium economy and economy class,” said Sun. “The talk that we’re having now is whether we should [launch] a suites class with much more luxurious amenities and service. But we do not anticipate very high demand for such an offering.”
Premium business on the B777-300ER
One major obstacle to this kind of product, is the limitations of Taiwan as an international aviation hub at present.
“The new premium business class is currently adequate for the company’s foreseeable future, and I believe that our customers will be very satisfied with it,” he said.
Premium economy on the B777-300ER
Sun is optimistic about the company’s growth in the mainland China market, which the airline currently operates more than a hundred weekly flights to, and commented that the proposed relaxation of regulations surrounding Chinese travellers connecting to onward destinations via Taiwan could be a big win for the airline.
“We are currently not allowed to carry transfer passengers out of [the mainland] into Taiwan, and onto onward destinations,” remarked Sun. “Fortunately, the authorities [for both sides] have now come to the conclusion that this ban will be lifted soon, but we will have to see.”
Sun believes that the opening of connecting travel opportunities for mainland travellers through Taiwan will be the first step in establishing the region as a major aviation hub that might see it one day compete with the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore.
“If Taiwan should be opened up as a transfer hub, our estimates suggest that over 1 million Chinese tourists may transfer through Taiwan’s airports on their way to the US, Australia or New Zealand. Passenger numbers will grow by more than 10 per cent compared to 2014.”
For more information, visit china-airlines.com
Clement Huang
