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December 8, 2004, Taipei, Taiwan – China Airlines
took delivery of a new B747-400 passenger aircraft equipped with
Boeing’s next-generation Signature Interior, the world’s first one,
today in Seattle. In addition to the corporate logo – a plum blossom
on the tail – the aircraft also displays Boeing’s Dynamic Blue color
scheme on the fuselage. This marks the first time that China Airlines
has introduced a special livery jet. The new aircraft will arrive
at Taipei CKS International Airport on December 9, and perform its
maiden flight from Taipei to Tokyo on December 12. Later, this aircraft
will serve dedicated to China Airlines’ three busiest destinations,
Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Tokyo.
The new B747-400 is configured in 3 classes, including 12 seats
in First Class, 64 seats in Dynasty Class and 314 seats in Economy
Class. “The interior of this B747-400 sets a new standard for the
airline industry, which represents China Airlines’ commitment to
providing passengers with better service and brand-new products,”
said Dr. Yao-Chung Chiang, Chairman of China Airlines, at the delivery
ceremony. “The special livery of the new aircraft symbolizes the
cooperation between China Airlines and Boeing, as we work together
to raise our services to a new level.”
According to research done by Skytrax, other than brand image,
cabin service and catering, business travelers also evaluate airline
service by seat comfort and inflight entertainment systems. The
Signature Interior has won a prestigious award from the Industrial
Designers of America, for demonstrating an enhanced contribution
of light and ample cabin toward passenger comfort.
First Class in the new B747-400 is equipped with shell seats,
190cm in length, which can recline 180 degrees to become completely
flat. Each seat also comes with adjustable headrest, electrical
lumbar support, adjustable and inflatable bottom cushions and
electrical massage functions. Other hardware includes a 15 inch
adjustable personal TV screen, 110V power outlet, and noise-canceling
headset jack. A vanity mirror, footwell light, coat hook and shoe
storage are provided for personal convenience. The specially designed
restroom is bright and spacious.
The seats in Dynasty Class are equipped with adjustable headrest,
electrical lumbar support and adjustable and inflatable bottom
cushions. Other convenient facilities include 10.4 inch adjustable
personal TV screen, 110V power outlet, noise-canceling headset
jack, vanity mirror, footwell light, coat hook and personal storage
space.
In the wake of introducing the new A330-300, the 314 seats in
the Economy Class of the new B747-400 adopt the same adjustable
lumbar support. Other special features include adjustable headrest,
massage roller footrest, 6.5 inch personal TV, vanity mirror,
coat hook and miscellaneous racks. Some of the seats have 110V
power outlets.
The new B747-400 is equipped with AVOD (audio video on demand)
system, Fantasy Sky, in every seat. The wide choice of entertainment
includes 32 movies and short features, 100 music CDs, 15 video
games and 15 music channels, available in English, Chinese and
Japanese. In-flight exercise programs, English and Chinese news,
and flight information can be viewed on the video channels. Specially
designed wheel chairs are available.
CAL’s new Signature Interior B747-400 is the first aircraft delivery
resulting from an order signed by China Airlines in 2002. By the
end of this year, China Airlines will take delivery of one A330-300
and one more B747-400 passenger jet, and will increase its fleet
size to 63 aircraft. The average age of its fleet will be just
5.8 years, one of the youngest in the world. China Airlines currently
flies to 48 passenger and cargo destinations in 22 nations. According
to a 2003 survey done by IATA, the overall size of China Airlines
passenger operations ranked 26th in the world, and its cargo operations
ranked 7th in the worldl.
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