China Airlines launches four weekly nonstop flights to London on Dec. 1 — 7-day tour packages start at NT$39,900!

▲ China Airlines launches flights to London on Dec. 1, operated by the new A350-900 XWB aircraft. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines)

Reported by Peng Huaiyu / Taipei

China Airlines will commence its Taipei–London (Gatwick Airport, Gatwick) route starting Dec. 1, operating four flights per week with a direct 13-hour nonstop journey — making it the only airline in Taiwan offering nonstop flights to London. In addition to launching Taiwan–London round-trip airfares starting from NT$21,000 (excluding tax), China Airlines has also partnered with travel agencies such as Lion Travel and Master Travel to offer group tour packages ranging from 7 to 9 days, with all-inclusive prices starting from NT$39,900 (including tax).

Starting in December, China Airlines will operate flights to London under flight numbers CI069/CI070, departing every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. The flights will be operated using the new A350-900 XWB aircraft, featuring 32 seats in Deluxe Business Class, 31 in Premium Economy, and 243 in Economy Class. Wei Guangzheng, Manager of Marketing Planning at China Airlines’ Taipei Branch, stated that London will become the fifth European destination served by China Airlines. The advantage of a direct 13-hour nonstop flight allows passengers to save approximately six hours of travel time compared to routes with connections.

▲ London, United Kingdom. (Photo / Provided by China Airlines, authorized by VisitBritain)

For travelers who prefer not to plan their own itineraries, tour operators are offering 7-day packages starting from NT$39,900 (including tax), which include a half-day city tour of London, along with visits to Oxford, Cambridge, Shakespeare’s hometown Stratford-upon-Avon, and the Roman Baths. The 9-day packages include landmarks such as Stonehenge and even extend to Edinburgh, with prices starting from NT$53,900. Customers purchasing group tour packages can upgrade to Premium Economy for an additional NT$4,000.

Wei Yiqing, Director of the Europe Route Division in the Passenger Transportation Department at China Airlines’ Taipei Branch, added that the current exchange rate for the British pound is around 1:39, no longer as high as in the past. Coupled with currently lower airport taxes, this represents a double advantage for travelers.