Hi tried to look for this topic, can't find it so forgive me if this topic has been covered before.


When is CI receiving their first A330? Which routes will the A330 be deployed ?

I presumed the A330 will be replacing the A300s right ?


Cheers

Charles

CI did in fact lease an A332 in the past, but due to SARS, cancelled the lease.

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Photo © Renato Salzinger

And it appears that CI is getting an A333:


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Photo © French Frogs AirSlides


I also think that the A333 will fly regional destinations, like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok. It will probably replace the A300s.

They will sure as hell come to Hong Kong..... everything else in their fleet does!!

These are the first three, looks like two and then a gap before the 3rd one arrives.

602 A330-302 B-18301
607 A330-302 B-18302
641 A330-302 B-18303

Yup, the A330s will replace the aging A300-600Rs. CI has placed an order for 14 A330-300s to replace the 12 A300-600Rs currently in operation.

The cabin will feature the new Dynasty Supreme Class.

Every seat will be equipped with Audio and Video on Demand.

First aircraft is expected to be delievered in June 2004. The first flight will fly from Kaohsiung to Hong Kong.

small side question, there are no titles on the aircraft yet, is that due to it going to Taiwan and the political situation between China (PRC) and Taiwan (ROC), I remember hearing that a while back european airlines had to fly their aircraft with addition *-Asia titles (ie. KLM Asia, Air France Asia, and Swissair Asia)

They will surely paint the name on the aircraft. It is not concern the political reason. The full name is: China Airlines.

About your hearing, it is correct. But they not only need to change their title on their aircraft but also establish the new company to operate the route. For example. Japan Asia. However, sometimes they still use the aircraft which belongs to their mother company (EX: Japan Airlines) to fly to Taiwan. (Now the Air Francw and Swissair don't fly to Taiwan.)
However, most airlines do not care about the political reason. They use the same aircraft without additional titles. For example. Northwest, United, Dragonair, Cathay Pacific, Air New Zealand.