Preview
This report briefly shows you a short route from Incheon to Taipei Taoyuan Airport in Taiwan. As of this winter, Taiwanese carrier China Airlines operates twice daily from Taipei to Seoul using a mix of 773/744/333. And also twice daily to Busan using 333/738. I was surprised to see the number of Korean pax onboard both flights. Load factor for today is probably a 100%.
Part One
By taking the airport line, passengers can reach ICN from Seoul Station within an hour. Indications were clear directing passengers to the departure hall.
We checked in around 10 AM with the airport being packed and uncomfortably crowded. Kudos to China Airlines for keeping Web Check-in luggage drop. It really saved us from atleast 20 minutes of queuing. (Imagine a full 777-300ER)
After grabbing a quick lunch, we headed for Gate 121 and boarding soon commenced. This view has great similarity with HKG.
Today's aircraft B-18003. Leased and delivered in 2015 has the configuration of C40 PY62 Y256. On short hauls, China Airlines tends to sell Premium Economic as Y class. If you are flying CI on short Asian hauls, make sure to check your aircraft configuration and select your seat in advance.
Part Two
The PY class on 773ER provides a 12.1" AVOD,lamp,leg rest, foot rest and a hardshell recline (I would say it is more comfortable than Cathay's). The mood lighting and the wooden visual decor really did the job. This interior has won several international design awards and is also available on the A350s.
Impressive 38" pitch
Boarding was efficient and the crew was overall friendly
AVOD by Panasonic Avionics
Parked beside HongKong Express, Alitalia, Czech Airlines. Aeromexico pushed back ready to return to Mexico City. This route started in May 2017 with four weekly flights using 787.
Premium Eco uses noise cancellation headsets which works well.
A pretty smooth flight today
Meal service commenced shortly after the fasten seat belt sign has been turned off. The choice for Economic Class today is Korean styled chicken and Taiwanese Pork rice. I went for the Chicken option. There was nothing Korean besides a side dish with pickles. However the meal still tasted good. To compare, CI's flights to Busan has only one meal option. The crew went up and down the aisle many times offering coffee and tea refills, which is really nice. I highly recommend China Airlines' hot tea service.
Approaching Taipei. Taipei's weather today 18'C , Rainy.
Parked at Terminal 1 China Airlines' main concourse.
The 747 is about to retire soon. sad to see them leaving the skies one by one
Nice report! It's great to have an aircraft equipped with a Premium Economy cabin on a short 2.5 hr regional flight, especially when the Premium Economy seats can be selected at no additional cost with an Economy class ticket! The cabin looks nice visually and the seats seem comfortable. Thanks for sharing!