China Airlines, the national flag carrier of the Republic of China (Taiwan), is returning to the UK following a five year hiatus, with the launch of a new non-stop service between London Gatwick and Taipei’s Taoyuan International from Friday 1 December.
The new service will operate four times per week from Gatwick’s South Terminal with a flight time of just over 13 hours aboard China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900. The aircraft will carry up to 306 passengers with a three class configuration, offering Premium Business, Premium Economy and Economy cabins.
“We’re incredibly excited to be returning to the UK this year, making travel between the UK and Taiwan that much more simple and accessible,” says Roger Han, Senior Vice President, Europe at China Airlines.
“By offering the only non-stop service between these two countries, we hope to welcome travellers who may not have considered Taiwan as their first outbound destination previously. Furthermore, our route network offers a wonderful array of destinations throughout Asia or onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.”
The A350 has proven a popular aircraft with travellers, offering the tallest ceilings of any commercial aircraft with generously-sized overhead bins and one of the quietest cabins in the sky. The LED lighting systems and reduced cabin pressure are also effective in warding off jetlag.
Guests in China Airlines’ Premium Business can enjoy 180 degree lay-flat beds, aisle access for every seat and access to the onboard Sky Lounge where they can unwind over a cocktail, or vintage glass of wine. Those in the Premium Economy cabin will enjoy the comfort of fixed-back seats that recline by sliding forward into their hard shell, offering a more natural reclining position and meaning that the seat doesn’t recline backwards toward the passenger behind. In the economy cabin, guests will enjoy additional legroom thanks to a slim line seat design.
The route launch marks a first for China Airlines in establishing a base at London Gatwick Airport. The airline previously operated a route between London Heathrow and Taipei, from 2010-2012 and has operated a service to Amsterdam with an onward connection toLondon via a codeshare with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines since. The launch of this route will mark their return to the UK.
A proud member of the SkyTeam global airline alliance, China Airlines currently operate flights to destinations across Asia, North America, Europe and Australia, with a fleet of more than 80 aircraft.
