New non-stop flights between UK and Taipei

The first China Airlines aircraft to fly to the UK on the airline’s new non-stop route from Taipei in Taiwan arrived earlier this month.

Having started its journey at Taipei’s Taoyuan International at 08:55 local time, the Airbus A350-900 undertook a 13-hour journey to arrive at London’s Gatwick airport.

The first flight commemorates the start of the only non-stop service between Taiwan and the UK, and marks China Airlines’ return to the UK after a five-year hiatus.

Nuan-Hsuan Ho, chairman of China Airlines said: “We’re delighted to be back in the UK this year, with the inaugural flight marking the ease of travel between the UK and Taiwan.”

The inaugural flight was greeted with water cannons on arrival at London Gatwick

“As the only non-stop service between the two countries, we want to highlight to travellers the benefits to travelling to Taipei, for business or leisure purposes. In addition, our extensive route network offers destinations throughout Asia and onward to Australia for British travellers to enjoy.”

Guy Stephenson, chief commercial officer of London Gatwick Airport, said he was thrilled to welcome the new service saying it “represents the strengthening of the relationship between the UK and Taiwan and our commitment to investing in bringing accessible travel to even more British customers”.

The China Airlines A350-900 carries up to 306 passengers, in Premium Business, Premium Economy and Economy class cabins.

The flight schedule will see departures four times per week from Gatwick’s South Terminal, increasing to five times per week in March 2018.

You can view the new China Airlines A350-900 below.