Taiwan’s China Airlines reveals flatbed A321neo business class
The factory-fresh A321neo jets will offer lie-flat comfort on regional routes throughout Asia.
By David Flynn, November 29 2021
Taiwan's China Airlines has joined the trend towards putting international-style flatbed business class seats into single-aisle jets.
In this case, the jet is the Airbus A321neo, with the SkyTeam member taking delivery of the first of 25 A321neo aircraft today.
And all 12 seats in the business class cabin fold out into fully lie-flat beds, although their 2-2 layout will still mean passengers will need to step over (or be stepped over by) their seatmate.
The paired seats are fitted with "adjustable extra-height partitions for privacy and reduced contact" with neighbouring travellers, the airline says...
... while the 15.6" HD screen can be controlled by the passenger's own smartphone and the audio beamed over Bluetooth to their own wireless headphones or earbuds.
Even the lavatories sport contactless, sensor-activated taps "to reduce the risk of cross-infection", with China Airlines eager to stress how its new fleet "emphasises contactless service and enhanced epidemic prevention measures."
Behind business class are 168 economy class seats, ranked in the familiar 3-3 pattern...
... yet even here there's some smart traveller-friendly thinking, such as seatback pouches for stowing tablets and smartphones, plus a handy holder for your USB cords (when they're not plugged into the USB-A socket just beneath the 13.3" HD screen).
Every passenger on board the A321neo can tap into high-speed WiFi, with free text messaging on popular platforms including Apple iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, WeChat, Viber and Line.
China Airlines' Airbus A321neo jets will replace the airline's Boeing 737-800s as regional workhorses, and will certainly help level the field against arch-rival EVA Airways and startup challenger Starlux, both of which have also parked the popular A321 in their hangars.
Singapore Airlines - KrisFlyer
14 Jan 2014
Total posts 340
I wonder if Cathay Pacific are taking note
QF
11 Jul 2014
Total posts 1010
Hopefully everyone is taking note and takes the me2 approach
QFF
19 Sep 2013
Total posts 206
I certainly wish Qantas would take note for their longer single-aisle flights.
Qantas
19 Apr 2012
Total posts 1429
Qantas may do it for the xlrs they will be getting some of.
18 Sep 2015
Total posts 139
The new lie flat business seat on Qatar's A321s (ET 15 October) promise aisle access from every seat. This would be a better choice for us customers.
China Airlines - Dynasty Flyer
22 Sep 2012
Total posts 73
Now only need Taiwan to allow transiting passengers to go through Taoyuan airport. I am considering to book my first international flight in nearly 2 years from Hong Kong back home to Australia (June 2022) with CI. Beats the pants off any China southern or China eastern has on domestic legs inside China. But happily still use my China Airlines emerald membership to get lounge access on domestic flight.
I cant wait to try these out and see them get rid of the 737s. The only plane to sort of aviod now is the older 330s that are okay but the screens and cabin has a really 2002~2005 decoration feel. Small 9 or 8 inch screens as an example.
Will still miss their 747s.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
13 Jan 2015
Total posts 580
I flew this model seat with Air Europa on their 787. A little narrow around the shoulders in bed position for long haul but perfect for a narrow body on sub 6hr flights.
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