China Airlines Charts Course Through Challenges with New Aircraft and AI
Taipei, taiwan – China Airlines is tackling fleet shortages and geopolitical uncertainties head-on, according to Gao Xinghuang, the airline’s chairman. Appointed in early March,Gao recently shared his strategies for navigating these challenges,drawing on his experiance as general manager four years prior.
Addressing the Aircraft Shortage
The airline faces a notable hurdle: a lack of available aircraft. I am very immense now because I have ordered an aircraft and never come,
Gao xinghuang admitted. This shortage, coupled with geopolitical tensions, forms the core of the challenges he faces.
Did You Know?
Aircraft shortages can considerably impact an airline’s profitability and route availability, leading to increased costs and potential customer dissatisfaction.
China Airlines has initiated its largest aircraft purchase plan to address this issue, committing to spend NT$400 billion on new planes. This includes an order for 10 Airbus A350-1,000 aircraft,signed at the end of March. Though, these new aircraft are not expected to arrive until 2029.
The newly purchased aircraft will not arrive until 2029. Some of the old aircraft we have on hand are fuel-consuming, and both cost and revenue are limited.
Gao Xinghuang, Chairman of China Airlines
In the interim, the airline is relying on previously purchased aircraft, including 24 787 long-range passenger aircraft, with deliveries starting this year, and 17 of 28 A321neos already delivered. Furthermore, the existing fleet of 15 A350-900 aircraft will undergo cabin upgrades within two years.
Enhancing Customer experience
While awaiting new aircraft, China Airlines is focusing on improving the passenger experience. Some customers will say that they spend the same air ticket money but take older models. What we can do at this stage is to try to start with meals and services,
Gao Xinghuang explained.
Pro Tip:
Airlines frequently enough partner with renowned chefs and brands to elevate their in-flight dining and amenity offerings, creating a more memorable experience for passengers.
the airline is collaborating with catering brands such as Dingdeng’an, Yigong, and Yangmingchuntian to enhance in-flight meals. Additionally, they have partnered with luxury brand MOSCHINO for overnight amenity kits.
Embracing Artificial Intelligence
China Airlines is also investing in AI to improve operations and customer service. Gao Xinghuang envisions a future where AI facilitates seamless communication between passengers and staff.
My dream is that one day, when a German-speaking guest walks to the airport Huahang counter and selects the language through the panel, he can directly translate it to the ground staff, and achieve the state of unobstructed communication through artificial intelligence translation in both directions.
Gao Xinghuang, Chairman of China Airlines
He even suggested the creation of an AI spokesperson for the airline, envisioning an AI family
as a unique branding opportunity.