New China Airlines Aircraft Begins Service to HNL

Big Island residents can now fly on a new China Airlines Airbus A350 aircraft between the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Taipei.

The aircraft is featured on the Honolulu-Taipei direct route that began Saturday, Oct. 29, 2017.

Kahu Kordell Kekoa (L) performed a blessing ceremony with HDOT and China Airlines officials prior to the new Airbus A350 inaugural flight at the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.

“We thank China Airlines for its commitment to Hawai‘i and the environment by bringing a plane that uses less fossil fuel and is more environmentally friendly,” said Gov. David Ige. “Nearly 13,000 visitors from Taiwan traveled to Hawai‘i from January to August of 2017 and this new aircraft delivers a high quality of service for the passengers.”

“This new beginning features an aircraft that truly reflects the quality of China Airlines and our commitment to delivering the best possible service to our passengers,” said China Airlines Chairman Nuan-Hsuan Ho. “The Honolulu to Taipei route has proven to be consistently strong, with increasing demand from our customers year after year. The strength of this route has provided opportunities for China Airlines to enhance our service by acquiring the new aircraft and growing our service all while supporting this airport in creating a sustainable gateway between Asia and the Americas.”

The China Airlines A350 cabin consists of 32 premium business class seats, 31 premium economy class seats and 243 economy class seats, carrying a total of 306 passengers. Full cabin temperature is divided into seven areas independently controlled and every two to three minutes for automatic air circulation and equipped with medical grade filter to eliminate odors.

The latest addition means that all North American destinations including Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco will now be flown by new 777 or A350 aircraft, a new milestone for the NexGen strategy.

China Airlines has unveiled a number of aircraft such as the “A350 Syrmaticus Mikado” and “Buddy Bears” to demonstrate its support for environmental protection.

The A350 is the quietest among the aircraft types in its class and is 25% more fuel efficient, while offering additional space and amenities for passengers. The aircraft also serves to promote the culture of Taiwan to Hawai‘i residents.

China Airlines is now operating the non-stop flight between Honolulu and Taipei with the A350 aircraft every Wednesday and Sunday.