The lounge was packed with those departing to SYD, AKL, CHC, LAX and SFO. I headed for the Terminal 2 general lounge (CI has two lounges in Terminal 2: one for Emerald Card/ Paragon Card and first class passengers the other for Gold card and above and J/F passengers), which unfortunately has yet to be renovated to the new standards of the lounge in Terminal 1 (which I have yet to visit).

And the whole experience lived up to and actually exceeded my expectations and imagination.Ĭheck-in was smooth and I quickly went through Taipei’s rather efficient security check and passed immigration. The new CI J is a customized B/E Aerospace Super Diamond reverse herringbone seat, much like that of Qatar and Air Canada 787. I booked Premium Economy and used some mileage to upgrade to “Premium Business Class”. Unfortunately I was unable to fly the first flight out of Taipei to Hong Kong as I was still in the U.S, but I made sure to book my return flight to the states on a 77W (I took Cathay Pacific in December). The design evokes some of his prior works such as that of the Eslite bookstores in Taiwan and the Palais De Chine Hotel Taipei, and the idea was to create a sophisticated, calming and serene space onboard. His intention in both the aircraft interior and new lounge design (currently only the TPE Terminal 1 has been renovated), was to bring Taiwanese culture, art and history to the world by infusing traditional design with Sung Dynasty elements and modern Taiwanese artistry. CI asked internationally acclaimed Taiwanese interior designer Ray Chen to help the airline rebrand and upgrade its products. Starting in April 2014, CI began releasing images of their interiors for the new plane and when I saw what was in store, I was simply amazed.

As a longtime China Airlines flyer, I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of their 777-300ER fleet since the airline announced their order for 10 77W.

China air premium economy boeing 777