BACKGROUND In March China Airlines became the first carrier to fly direct from London Heathrow to Taiwan’s capital after traffic rights granted by Europe were relaxed. Two-class flight CI070 departs London three times a week – at 2115 on Tuesdays and Sundays, arriving at 1815 the next day, and 2205 on Thursdays, landing at 1905. Return flight CI069 leaves Taipei at 0925 on the same three days, landing at 1700 the same day.
CHECK-IN I arrived at Heathrow Terminal 4 at 1945 for the 2205 flight. At Zone E there was a dedicated desk for business class and I was seen to quickly. (Online check-in is available but passengers can’t print their boarding pass.) Fast-track security was also speedy.
THE LOUNGE China Airlines’ business passengers use the well-equipped Skyteam lounge, a three-minute walk from security opposite Gate 10. The carrier is not yet an official member but is expected to be soon. The buffet was depleted when I arrived but there were some snacks left. A good number of staff were on hand but as it had been busy there were a lot of tables to clear. Wifi is free and flights are not announced.
BOARDING I left it until 2140 to head to Gate 7 for boarding, which closed at 2150, but it was only a two-minute walk. I was in my seat by 2155. Once settled, I was offered a cup of green tea, a hot towel and a paper by a friendly member of crew.
THE SEAT I was in window seat 5K in the last row of business, which is arranged 2-2-2 (A-B, D-G, J-K) on this A340-300. The body of the newer China Airlines angled lie-flat seat is upholstered in purple PVC and offers a good amount of legroom (60 inches). (For a review of the older product, visit businesstraveller.com/tried-and-tested.) An in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen comes out of the middle armrest and a good-sized table out of the other. I found the seat comfortable for eating and watching films but difficult to sleep on as it didn’t recline fully flat. Laptop power comes from a two-prong socket, and noise-cancelling headphones are provided.
WHICH SEAT TO CHOOSE? Middle seats D and G are good for a night flight as both offer direct aisle access without having your neighbour climb over you to use the washroom. There can be some disturbance from the galleys at the front and back of the cabin but the crew made a real effort to keep noise to a minimum, which was appreciated.
THE FLIGHT We pushed back at 2210 and took off shortly after. At 2300, slippers, menus, bottled water and travel kits containing moisturiser, toothpaste, a toothbrush, eye mask and mouthwash were given out. Earplugs and socks were not provided, and there was no pre-dinner drink or snack. Food orders were then taken – first and business passengers can pre-order online 14 days to 24 hours before the flight. I had requested a vegetarian meal. My starter was a tasty cold noodle and vegetable salad, plus a side salad and a choice of warm rolls, garlic bread or pretzels. On offer on the main menu was scallops and smoked salmon with wasabi mayonnaise, followed by prawns with rice and vegetables, beef with mushroom sauce, spinach and truffled potato terrine, or Taiwanese-style beef noodle soup. There was the option of cheese and biscuits, fruit, apple pie or chocolate ice cream to wrap up the meal.
The touchscreen IFE system was audio-video on-demand and the selection of films included 12 new releases. At about 0100 the cabin lights were dimmed. I managed to get about six hours’ sleep but woke intermittently with neck ache. I also found it a bit cold.
ARRIVAL We touched down at Taipei Taoyuan airport at 1910 and were disembarked after a short wait. There was a ten-minute walk to immigration, which was swift.
Jenny Southan
Fact File
CONFIGURATION 2-2-2
SEAT PITCH 60in/152cm
SEAT RECLINE 152 degrees
IFE SCREEN 10.5in
PRICE Internet rates for a return business class flight in October from London to Taipei started from £1,959 (US$3,020).
CONTACT china-airlines.com
VERDICT: A much-needed direct flight between London and Taipei with good-value business class fares. The crew were welcoming and the food decent.
