Aviation

China Airlines eyes new aircraft order for 777X and A350-1000

Taiwan’s largest airline, China Airlines, is actively evaluating options to replace its fleet of 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, which primarily operate on U.S. routes and high-density regional services. The airline is considering the latest offerings from Boeing, specifically the boeing 777x and Airbus’s A350-1000 as potential replacements.

This aircraft won’t need a runway

Chairman’s Statement
In a recent statement, China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Shih-chien confirmed that the airline is in the assessment phase for the new aircraft. When questioned about possible political influences on the decision, Hsieh firmly stated, “When it comes to buying aircraft, it is only China Airlines ourselves who makes the assessment. I want to clarify this.” His remarks emphasize the airline’s autonomy in the decision-making process, highlighting the absence of external pressures.

Political Context
Despite the complexities surrounding Taiwan’s international status, the United States remains Taiwan’s most significant ally and arms supplier. Notably, the Taiwanese government is the majority owner of China Airlines, which adds another layer to the airline’s strategic considerations in aircraft acquisitions.

Airbus Collaboration
In addition to evaluating new aircraft, China Airlines has recently entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Airbus to retrofit its existing fleet of 15 A350-900s. This collaboration will see upgrades to the airline’s cabin layout and the installation of state-of-the-art amenities.

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Airbus Services will oversee the enhancements, which include new Premium Business Class, Premium Economy Class, and Economy Class seating. Passengers can anticipate a more luxurious travel experience, complete with improved seating and advanced in-flight entertainment.

Aviation

DOT Penalizes Lufthansa $4 Million for Stopping Jewish Passengers From Boarding

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has imposed a $4 million penalty on Lufthansa for discriminating against Jewish passengers traveling from New York City to Budapest via Frankfurt in May 2022. The incident marked the largest civil rights fine ever levied by the DOT against an airline.

The case stems from an incident where Lufthansa denied 128 Jewish passengers — most of whom were wearing traditional Orthodox Jewish attire — from boarding their connecting flight in Germany.

China Airlines eyes new aircraft order for 777X and A350-1000

The airline’s actions were based on the alleged misconduct of a few individuals during the first leg of the journey from John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) to Frankfurt (FRA). However, many of those passengers did not know each other or travel as a group. DOT investigators found that Lufthansa treated them as a single entity, barring them from their connecting flight to Budapest (BUD) for the actions of a few.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized the department’s commitment to protecting passengers’ rights. “No one should face discrimination when they travel, and today’s action sends a clear message to the airline industry that we are prepared to investigate and take action whenever passengers’ civil rights are violated,” he said. Buttigieg added that DOT’s increased enforcement efforts aim to ensure airlines treat all passengers with fairness and dignity.

This aircraft won’t need a runway

The investigation began after DOT received over 40 complaints from Jewish passengers affected by the incident. Despite some passengers failing to follow crew instructions on the first flight, lufthansa business lounge newark did not specifically identify any noncompliant individuals.

Instead, the airline placed a blanket hold on the tickets of over 100 passengers, preventing them from continuing their journey. lufthansa airways acknowledged that this approach could lead to excluding compliant passengers but deemed it impractical to address each case individually.