China Airlines A321neo Makes Maiden Flight on Songshan-Haneda Prime Business Traveler Route

China Airlines’ new A321neo aircraft made its maiden flight on the Songhan-Tokyo (Haneda) route today (5/4). To celebrate the occasion with travelers, China Airlines partnered with Le Ruban Pâtisserie, a dessert shop renowned as Taiwan’s “Chanel of the Dessert World,” to serve Earls Melon Shortcake in Business Class and Lemon Glazed Cake in Economy Class. Travelers were able to sit back and enjoy French-style desserts in-flight without queuing up at the popular shop.

China Airlines Flight CI220 took off from Taipei’s Songshan Airport at 9:08 and is expected to arrive at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport at 12:50. The return flight CI221 is scheduled to take off from Haneda at 14:30 and return to Songshan by 16:55. The new A321neo fleet is now scheduled to fly this prime business traveler route every Wednesday and Saturday, providing travelers with the most convenient and comfortable service on their trips between Taiwan and Japan. To celebrate the introduction of the new A321neo aircraft on the Songshan-Haneda route, China Airlines presented travelers on the maiden flight with a limited-edition notebook designed by KellyKiwi for China Airlines, a custom logo-printed face mask and a portable charger. Travelers were also treated to a quick sketch event with the illustrator for an unforgettable experience. Additionally, exquisite desserts from Le Ruban Pâtisserie were served during the flight. The Earls Melon Shortcake in Business Class was made with contract-grown cantaloupes in Yunlin, Taiwan, cultivated with seeds sourced from Hokkaido, Japan. The Lemon Glazed Cake in Economy Class was baked using hand-peeled lemon rinds and freshly squeezed lemon juice from toxin-free lemons grown in Pingtung. Flour from Kumamoto, Japan, complete the mix to imbue every mouthful with seasonal fresh flavors. Through the combination of quality ingredients and craftsmanship, China Airlines hoped to warm the heart of every traveler.

China Airlines is a longstanding advocate for environmental sustainability so the use of local ingredients is emphasized for in-flight catering. In addition to serving desserts from Le Ruban Pâtisserie during A321neo's maiden flight on the Songshan-Haneda route today, China Airlines is planning to provide China Airlines x Le Ruban Signature desserts on flagship Japanese routes to Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and Fukuoka in the second half of the year. Holiday-themed desserts will also be designed by the partnership to create a festive atmosphere for China Airlines aboard their flights.