Made in Taiwan

摘要

China Airlines refuses to choose -and why should it? In an environment where airlines are increasingly pledging allegiance to one manufacturer over another, China Airlines has not only kept a foot in each camp but also announced simultaneously at the end of 2002 orders for aircraft from both manufacturers. With an order for 18 A330s (including six options) for mid-range operations and 10 747-400s for long haul, China Airlines is both replacing its A300-600s and 747-200s, and increasing capacity, too. Philip Wei, president of China Airlines, explains that the new A330s will replace China Airlines' mid-range A300-600s fleet with an 18% capacity increase to serve the carrier's intensive regional network from its two major hubs, Taipei and Kaohsiung, to most key Asian destinations. The A300-600Rs will be replaced by the A330 from 2004 to 2007; the new Airbus aircraft will be configured in a two-class cabin layout for 290 to 320 passengers.