With five new 777s in service and another five in the production pipeline, China Airlines has staked a good part of its future on the safety, range and fuel efficiency of Boeing’s largest twin-engine jet. The Taiwanese flag carrier has said it expects each of its 777-300ERs (Extended Range) to shave nearly $10 million off of its annual operating costs. But it’s what’s inside the airline’s flagship fleet of 777-300ERs that has captured the design world’s attention. The cabin interior, designed by Taiwanese architect and designer Ray Chen, is the centerpiece of an ambitious airline rebranding that aims to provide passengers with a philosophical journey from East to West. Called “NexGen,” the makeover covers everything from cabin amenities to crew uniforms and exclusive dinnerware. Chen, who heads the effort, said he tried to capture China Airlines’ “brand essence and evolution” by using 40 Boeing Frontiers the cabin as a canvas for Taiwan’s culture and history. For inspiration, he drew from Lu You, a poet of China’s Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD). Amenities on board these new 777s include persimmon-wood paneling, mood lighting, artwork on lavatory walls, a Premium Business Class Sky Lounge and 10 rows of fold-down Family Couch seats in economy class. “The new interior,” Chen said, “demonstrates the reinterpretation of classic aesthetics through the Taiwanese lens.” China Airlines, which received its first 777 last fall, began pursuing a new approach to cabin design to distinguish itself in the highly competitive Asian marketplace, said Huang-Hsiang Sun, airline chairman. “In addition to enhancing safety and fuel efficiency, we are incorporating East meets West Taiwan’s flag carrier introduces innovative interior on its newest Boeing jetliners by Kevin Yoo
Frontiers June 2015 Issue
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