Discussing the future design of China Airlines' new A350 aircraft, Chen Ruixian says it will be like a youth version of "The Peony Pavilion"

▲China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang makes an in-flight announcement on the A350.

Reported and photographed by reporter Yu □ru / onboard the A350

Airbus's latest passenger aircraft, the A350 XWB, has arrived in Taiwan and is conducting experience flights over the next two days, with plans to depart on the 20th. The A350 XWB is a brand-new family of medium-to-large wide-body airliners. China Airlines has currently ordered 14 of them, which will be delivered progressively starting in 2016. Designer Chen Ruixian was invited to work on the cabin design, and when talking about the future look, he mentioned that the A350 will be more vibrant and modern. "If the 777 is like Kunqu Opera, then the 350 will be the youth version of 'The Peony Pavilion.'"


▲China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang (second from right) celebrates with Deputy Minister of Transportation Wu Mengfen (right), Airbus Asia-Pacific Executive Vice President Jean-Francois Laval (left), and Airbus A350 XWB Marketing Director Mike Bausor (second from left).

China Airlines Chairman Sun Hongxiang, who test-flew the A350 XWB today (18th), stated that the airline has currently ordered 14 A350 aircraft from Airbus. They will enter service in the third quarter of 2016, gradually replacing the A340. "The aircraft will be phased out progressively." These planes are planned for long-haul routes to cities such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome, Vancouver, Hawaii, as well as New Zealand and Australia, with potential additions of one or two more long-haul destinations. Like the B777, the new A350 will feature three classes: luxury business class, premium economy, and economy, continuing the brand concept of the new-generation cabin. It will also offer a "family sleeper pod" service.

The upcoming delivery design of the A350 will also be handled by Chen Ruixian. He said the A350 will be more vibrant and modern."If the 777 is like Kunqu Opera, then the 350 will be the youth version of 'The Peony Pavilion.'" It will adopt an Eastern aesthetic combined with a modern style, while maintaining the original persimmon wood color, complemented by berry red and indigo blue.It will also feature a Sky Lounge design. Chen Ruixian said the highlight of this design will focus on the table lamps in business class, and the changing cabin lighting will evoke the feeling of piercing through clouds, maintaining continuity with the 777 design but also offering something distinct.

%The A350 will make its first loop around Taiwan.