What Is It Like to Fly China Airlines Business Class on its Airbus A350?

China Airlines, headquartered in Taiwan, operates 14 of these aircraft and serves routes to North America, Europe, Oceania, and Asia. As the flag carrier of democratic Taiwan, it provides one of the most stylish cabins within the SkyTeam alliance.

Check-In

China Airlines switched from London Gatwick to Heathrow during the pandemic and is currently based in the busiest airport in the UK. It operates in Terminal 3 and has several alliance partners. Business class passengers are welcome to visit the Cathay Pacific lounge.

Boarding

Business class passengers and elite flyers queue up in the SkyPriority lane and enter the aircraft via door 2L.

Photo: Courtesy of Jonny Clark / TheDesignAir

Upon entering, they are welcomed by a black reflective wall marked “business class” in all caps in the mid-galley, along with a quote by Marcel Proust: “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.”

The Seat

The award-winning cabin design is inspired by the aesthetics of the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD), the most culturally significant era in imperial Chinese history. The cabin features wood grains from persimmon trees on the bulkheads, dark carpets, warm metal finishes, and mood lighting that creates a scholarly ambiance throughout the jet, from business class to economy.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The forward cabin features eight rows of Collins Aerospace Super Diamond seats in a 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration. This is my favorite type of lie-flat seat. I chose the first seat on the port side, which has a large front surface table. The cocoon seat is equipped with a large beige pillow, a thick comforter, and a seat cover, a new addition as flight attendants assist with turndown service.

The side table, covered in a faux-wood pattern, opens to reveal two storage units where slippers, headphones, and a remote control are placed. The underside of one storage panel serves as a vanity mirror.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

A small lamp with an eagle claw base is positioned at the corner by the literature rack, which displays Dynasty, the in-flight magazine.

The Flight

The crew was amazing. The cabin manager greeted each passenger and introduced herself. During boarding, juice, menus, North Face amenity kits, and warm towels were passed out.

Once the airplane reached cruising altitude, the flight attendants served packets of crackers, nuts, and drinks for this evening departure flight.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

For dinner, there were both Asian and Western options. I chose the Chinese seafood and rice entrée, accompanied by soup, smoked duck and chicken salad, and garlic bread. I had half a glass of Kavalan Whiskey, an award-winning brand from Taiwan, to accompany my meal.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

For dessert, I had both the cheese and fruit plate and the tart and cake plate, and Häagen-Dazs ice cream was available.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

After dinner, the cabin was dimmed for the 13-hour long haul, with heavy black curtains blocking off the forward galley and premium cabin.

For those hungry or unable to sleep, the mid-galley was transformed into a sky lounge with various snacks and beverages, including teas grown in Taiwan.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

I also requested hot wonton noodles after six hours of sleep.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

Two hours before landing, breakfast was served. I chose the traditional congee with side dishes and fruit.

Photo: Courtesy of Benjamin Chiang

The high-quality wooden chopsticks provided can be taken home and reused. Additionally, the dinnerware surprised me with amusing illustrations when I flipped over the bowls and cups.

Arrival

The plane landed in the evening and parked at Terminal 2 of Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Ground staff were waiting by the gate to guide transfer passengers.

Since Taipei was my destination, I walked through the long concourse to the immigration desks.

Experience

Like many other Asian airlines, China Airlines undoubtedly provides pleasant journeys across continents. The latest news is that the carrier plans to renovate the cabin interiors of its Airbus A350-900. This move may not be necessary since the current design is already beautiful. However, I’m excited to see how the carrier will reimagine the flying experience.

china-airlines.com