When China Airlines’ first Airbus A321neo aircraft entered commercial service on Sunday 27 March, its passengers could access a fast inflight broadband experience via the Inmarsat GX Aviation inflight wi-fi system (powered by the Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band network). The airline says that the wi-fi service proved a hit during the inaugural flight from Taoyuan to Hong Kong, with access provided via the Internet ONAIR system from Inmarsat’s partner, SITA, which has also been selected as connectivity service provider by the airline.
China Airlines, Taiwan’s national carrier, has ordered 25 A321neos as part of its narrowbody fleet replacement programme, which is intended to improve its onboard experience, support its regional network expansion plans, and meet long-term growth in passenger volumes. All of the aircraft will be equipped with GX Aviation and Internet ONAIR, alongside other new cabin features such as customised fully flat seats in Premium Business Class, and IFE systems with 4K seatback displays.