China Airlines is returning to the UK following a five-year hiatus, with the launch of a new non-stop service between London Gatwick and Taipei’s Taoyuan International from December 1st.
The new service will operate four times per week from Gatwick’s South Terminal with a flight time of just over 13 hours aboard China Airlines’ Airbus A350-900.
The aircraft will carry up to 306 passengers with a three-class configuration, including a premium economy option.
“We’re incredibly excited to be returning to the UK this year, making travel between the UK and Taiwan that much more simple and accessible,” said Roger Han, senior vice president, Europe, China Airlines.
“By offering the only non-stop service between these two countries, we hope to welcome travellers who may not have considered Taiwan as their first outbound destination previously.
“Furthermore, our route network offers a wonderful array of destinations throughout Asia or onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.”
The A350 has proven a popular aircraft with travellers, offering the tallest ceilings of any commercial aircraft with generously-sized overhead bins and one of the quietest cabins in the sky.
The route launch marks a first for the national flag carrier of Taiwan, in establishing a base at London Gatwick Airport.
The airline previously operated a route between London Heathrow and Taipei, from 2010-2012 and has operated a service to Amsterdam with an onward connection to London via a codeshare with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines since.
The launch of this route will mark their return to the UK.