China Airlines launches flights to London today! First flight fully booked — nonstop in just 13 hours

Ms. Fan, who took the inaugural London flight, said she had long wanted to visit the UK but previously there were no direct flights, and the journey times were long with stopovers, making takeoff and landing uncomfortable. Upon learning that China Airlines would offer a direct flight to London, she decided to go with friends. She said it saves a lot of hassle and time, and she would choose China Airlines again for future trips to London.

▲Baseball star Chen Wei-Yin also became a passenger on the inaugural flight, taking the opportunity to take his wife on a holiday to London.

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▲China Airlines resumes flights to London, using the A350-900 XWB fleet. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines)

China Airlines previously flew to London from March 2010 to March 2012, but at that time used the A340 aircraft, which was more fuel-consuming and costly, leading to the route’s suspension. This time, with the nonstop service, travelers can save 3 to 7 hours of layover time and reach the destination in just about 13 hours (an extra hour may be added in winter due to headwinds). Compared to other airlines, Cathay Pacific stops in Hong Kong with a total flight time of 15 hours 50 minutes; EVA Air stops in Bangkok with a total of 17 hours 25 minutes; Singapore Airlines stops in Singapore with a total of 19 hours 10 minutes; and Emirates stops in Dubai with a total of 19 hours 40 minutes.

▲China Airlines’ nonstop flight to London takes just 13 hours, giving you more time to explore famous UK attractions. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines, Authorized by VisitBritain)

Starting December 1, with the launch of direct flights to London, China Airlines expands its European network. Together with existing direct services to Amsterdam (Netherlands), Frankfurt (Germany), Vienna (Austria), and Rome (Italy), it now operates five major European destinations with 22 weekly flights, making it the carrier with the most direct Europe routes from Taiwan. China Airlines’ Taipei–London flights operate weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays under flight numbers CI069/CI070, using the new A350-900 XWB aircraft, offering 32 luxury business class seats, 31 premium economy seats, and 243 economy seats.

To celebrate the launch of Taipei–London flights, China Airlines is offering early bird special deals: round-trip business class tickets starting from NT$31,360 (excluding tax) and round-trip economy class tickets starting from NT$18,620 (excluding tax) for departures from Taiwan. The offer is available on China Airlines’ official website from now until December 31, 2017. For details, please refer to:https://www.china-airlines.com/tw/zh/.