China Airlines: new 787 business class, premium economy

China Airlines will debut next-generation business class suites and premium economy recliners this year, as the SkyTeam member spreads its wings with a fleet of new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The first of 24 Dreamliners will arrive later this year, with eighteen of the popular 787-9 model and six of the larger but slightly shorter-range 787-10s.

A spokesperson for China Airlines has confirmed to Executive Traveller that its 787 fleet “will initially be assigned to Seoul, Osaka, and other routes in Asia.”

The Dreamliners will steadily replace China Airline's ageing Airbus A330s, and fit into a broader modernisation program which included the Airbus A321neo and A350 jets.

China Airlines' current flagship business class.

Travellers can expect a sophisticated upgrade to the Taiwanese airline’s already-elegant cabins, which will adopt a fresh look blending the country’s scenery and cultural motifs with the electric vibrancy of Taipei.

China Airlines' new 787 premium economy cabin.

For example, in premium economy, the appearance of the seat covers themselves subtly changes under ambient lighting, as part of the self-contained cabin’s Starlit Mountain City theme.

China Airlines' new 787 premium economy seat.

Likewise, expect the new 787 business class suites to retain the familiar persimmon wood grain finish – persimmon being traditionally associated with prosperity and fulfilment in Taiwanese culture – alongside those in-suite lamps and the general sense of warmth which has become a touchstone on China Airline’' current Airbus A350s.

China Airlines is renowned for the warm, elegant design of its business class.

Although China Airlines has yet to pull back the covers on its Boeing 787 business class, there’s no doubt we will be seeing modern aspects such as sliding privacy doors, large 4K high-definition video screens with Bluetooth audio streaming, plus a trio of power options in AC, USB-C and wireless charging.

China Airlines' new 787 premium economy seat.

The 787’s premium economy cabin will have 28 seats (using Recaro’s R4 premium platform) in a standard 2-3-2 configuration, with privacy wings, a leather footrest and 15.6-inch seatback screen.

China Airlines' new 787 premium economy.

The tray table also doubles as a convenient stand for tablets and mobile phones, with inflight Wi-Fi free for all business class and premium economy passengers.

China Airlines' new 787 premium economy.

China Airlines’ investment in upgrading not only its fleet but its 787 premium travel experience comes as the SkyTeam member – which also enjoys a strong codeshare and frequent flyer partnership with Qantas – aims to close the gap against rival EVA Air, while upstart Starlux continues to nip at both their heels.

Also read: Starlux to launch Sydney-Taiwan flights