On July 7th the first of four A300 Airbuses joined the China Airlines fleet. They will be used for flights to Hong Kong, Seoul, Okinawa, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, and other destinations. This marks the first time European built airplanes have been bought by the Republic of China's Civil Aeronautics Administration to lease to China Airlines.
One of the reasons the Civil Aeronautics Administration bought the new planes is to strengthen economic ties with Europe. When the planes were picked up, Airbus president M. Bernard Lathier humourously remarked, "This delivery ceremony is a lot like a wedding, from today on we have become a family."
Vice Communications Minister Chen Shu-hsi, representing the CAA at the ceremony commented, "Our economic relations with Europe are becoming closer and closer. If we just look at our relations with France, 10 years ago our exports to France were US$7,000,000; whereas last year they hit US$278,400,000. During the same period our imports have risen from US$8,700,000 to US$187,000,000."
The A 300 wide bodied jet is co-produced by France, West Germany, England, Spain, The Netherlands, and Belgium. For instance, France built the cockpit, West Germany the fuselage, Spain the front cabin door, England and Holland worked together on the wings. The finished product is assembled in Toulouse France. This internationally produced aircraft features a wide body, a large seating capacity, and computer engineering. It also consumes less fuel than the Boeing 707 but has increased seating capacity. The A 300 can hold 247 passengers while the Boeing 707 can hold only 149. According to statistics one Airbus A-300 can save as much as US$1,500,000 per year in fuel costs.
Recently, because of the energy crisis and increased oil prices, and also because of a worldwide economic recession and a reduction in air passengers, most airlines have shown losses. Industry figures show this year's losses at an estimated US$2,500,000,000. China Airlines is also showing a loss but it is hoping the A 300 will be a factor in turning this loss around.
China Airlines was founded 23 years ago and is now the fastest growing airline in Asia. CAL flights reach the Far East, the Middle East, and North America with cargo service to Luxembourg.
China Airlines was set up in 1959 by a group of retired airmen. At that time there were 26 pilots, mechanics, and other personnel. The CAL fleet consisted of two PBY amphibious aircraft. CAL's main work at that time was marine rescue, fish detection, insecticide spraying, and aerial photography. In 1961 small passenger planes were acquired and a Taipei-Hualien route initiated. Later domestic service was expanded to include Taitung, Taichung, Tainan, Makung, and Kaohsiung. In 1966 CAL's first international route was opened linking Taipei and Saigon, beginning a new era in jet travel. Later international flights were extended to major cities in East and Northeast Asia. 1970 saw the first CAL flight to the U.S. and by 1975 CAL had started purchasing Boeing 747 Jumbo jets.
According to regulations all flight personnel (pilots, copilots, and flight engineers) must pass a test and gain certification before they can begin service in a new airplane. Therefore a year ago CAL selected 15 flight personnel, 6 pilots, 4 copilots, and 5 flight engineers, to go to Toulouse for training. Before they had even seen the plane these men were very familiar with it because they had already memorized the flight manual and other material sent to them from France. On May 8th they finally arrived in France to begin their two months formal training.
Besides striving to work even harder, on July 1st CAL improved inflight food for passengers. They are given a wide range of selection as well as larger portions.
By constant improvement of service and acquisition of new aircraft, China Airlines is hoping to spread its wings and fly through the black cloud of recession.
[Picture Caption]
1) China Airlines' warm and personal service is highly praised by passengers. 2) CAL's A 300 in flight. 3) Beautiful stewardesses are one of CAL's special attractions.
1) The wide bodied A 300 can hold a large number of passengers in comfort. 2) The pilot and co-pilot in the A 300. 3) China Airlines has the largest aircraft service facilities in the Far East. Here an A 300 is inspected before take-off.
Beautiful stewardesses are one of CAL's special attractions.
The wide bodied A 300 can hold a large number of passengers in comfort.
The pilot and co-pilot in the A 300.
China Airlines has the largest aircraft service facilities in the Far East. Here an A 300 is inspected before take-off.
