Welcome to my last flight review for 2024!
This is B-18919 (Photo: Steve Chang)
What is significant about this aircraft?
This is SE-RSA before it left SAS's fleet to join China Airlines to become registered as B-18919. (Photo: Paul Spijkers)
SAS were forced to undergo fleet restructuring and had to work on a plan to avoid going out of business. So to avoid this situation, the airline decided to return some of the aircraft to the leasing companies, which results to the airline cutting the A350 fleet from 6 to 3 and SE-RSA was one of the A350 returned to the lessor. At that time China Airlines was looking to lease 2 A350-900 aircraft for capacity boost and the airline signed a deal with the leasing company to bring in (former SE-RSA) B-18919 on lease for a period of time and the 2nd aircraft will join the fleet in the near future in the same deal. In addition, the Taiwanese airline decided to retain the cabin configuration and products from the previous operator. This will take the total number of A350-900 to 16 aircraft.
For now (March 2025)
B-18901 to B-18918 (B-18904, B-18911, B-18913 and B-18914 numbers are skipped)
- C32 W31 Y243: Fly on any regular A350 routes
B-18919 - C40 W32 Y228: Fly exclusively only on Rome (CI75/76) and Singapore (CI753/754) routes.
So for this trip report, I am proud to be able to present you my trip report on my B-18919's Economy Class experience.
For the standard China Airlines A350 Economy Class trip report, you can check out live and let's fly version over here. You can see the difference in the cabin.
I had a choice between this flight CI753 or CI755 and both flights were operated by A350-900 and A330-300 respectively. CI755's advantage is the evening flight departure at 1955hrs and reaching Singapore around 0040 the next day but it was operated by the A330-300 featuring an “ancient” cabin which I had experienced before and I won’t want to experience that again, so deciding on the morning flight was not a difficult decision. The 0820 departure was far from ideal but I decided to stay overnight at the airport, booking myself at the capsule hotel located at Terminal 2 so it didn't turn out too bad as I save a lot of travelling time and can wake up later.
For flight CI753, I noticed that B-18919 was operating on certain days and during the time of booking, this aircraft was scheduled to operate on this flight so the only thing that will stop me from flying on this flight was if the CI755 aircraft was operated by the A321neo, I would love to give that aircraft a try and perhaps if I am lucky, I might get to fly on the airline's Pokemon aircraft.
This is the airline's A321neo in standard livery.
The popular special Pokemon livery painted on this A321neo. (Photo: Dennis Chang)
About China Airlines fleet in 2025
China Airlines Group owns China Airlines including the cargo carrier, Mandarin Airlines and Tigerair Taiwan and currently the 4 airlines operate a total of 110 aircraft (March 2025) and the number will change with more aircraft being planned for delivery and some of the current aircraft such as China Airlines' Airbus A330-300 and Boeing 737-800 are due for retirement in the future.
For now, China Airlines operate a fleet of 10 Boeing 737-800, 10 Boeing 777-300ER, 15 Airbus A321neo, 16 Airbus A330-300 and 15 Airbus A350-900. For the cargo, the airline is operating 8 Boeing 747-400F and 9 Boeing 777F.
This Taiwanese national carrier has also placed an order for 10 Airbus A350-1000, 10 Boeing 777-9 and Boeing 777-8F and the first aircraft of this new order will be delivered starting from 2029 onwards.
Web check-in
Once you are done with the web check-in, you will receive some important information about your flight.
I was able to select my seat during check-in (without payment), luckily there were some window seats left.
Remember to click on the confirmation button to ensure your seat is confirmed.
The website may be basic but at least I had no issue navigating and getting my booking or check-in done.
My time in Taipei
My accommodation in Ximending, it was a comfortable stay.
Sunset at Valentine's Bridge
It was truly a beautiful evening that day.
A typical Taipei's street.
Old Apartments at Hushan (Beitou District)
Miramar Shopping Centre featuring the Ferris Wheel.
Tesla's Cybertruck
My old time favourite - Cold Stone's ice cream
This place (below) is located near my accommodation at Ximending.
The famous Taipei 101
This is photographed outside Taipei 101, looks like MacDonald's logo, do you agree?
I paid a visit to the Pokemon Centre and do you recognise these 2 characters?
They are Dragonite and Pikachu.
The view of Taipei 101.
The traffic junction of Ximending.
A park nearby my accommodation.
Taiwanese's local food
This is Pork Ribs in spicy pepper soup which comes with small dishes.
This is minced meat rice with squid.
This is oyster omelette with beef soup with vegetables.
A mixed grill of squid and steak with a bowl of soup with pastry.
My accommodation at Taipei Taoyuan Airport
This is CHO Stay Capsule Hotel Taoyuan Airport @ Terminal 2. I paid about S$80 for the one night stay.
Follow the signboard towards the observation/capsule hotel.
This is how the capsule looks like. I had a good rest but this is not suitable for those with issues with confined space.
There are separate rooms for male and females.
This is how the dormitory style capsule cabin looks like.
EVA Air's Boeing 777-300ER
China Airlines Boeing 777 Freighter
Cathay Pacific Airbus A330-300
EVA Air's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner
(Stay tuned for my trip report on this beautiful aircraft in the near future)
EVA Air's Airbus A321ceo. The airline has ordered a total of 18 A321neo to replace this aircraft model.
EVA Air's A330-300 Hello Kitty livery named 'Celebration Flight'.
EVA Air Airbus A321ceo departing
EVA Air A330-300 vs Boeing 787-9
The front view of EVA Air's A330-300.
Starlux's Airbus A330-900neo
Tigerair Taiwan's A320ceo with the Rakuton Monkeys' special livery.
Take off or Landing?
Notice the engine cowling slightly opened? That is the thrust reverser which is used only during landing or abortion of take off, to slow the aircraft to taxi speed or come to a complete stop.
EVA Air's Boeing 787-9 was taking off.
Upclose photo of the EVA Air's Hello Kitty named 'Besties Jet'.
Asiana's Boeing 777-200ER. This airline has formerly merged with Korean Air and well be rebranded to Korean Air and soon this livery will disappear from our skies.
EVA Air Boeing 777-300ER getting ready for departure.
China Airlines Airbus A321neo
On the day of departure
After the overnight stay at the capsule hotel, I left the premises at around 0630.
This is the departure hall of Terminal 2.
Human traffic was light during this timing.
It was nice to see the hello kitty check-in kiosk, although they are now used for exhibit display.
I made my way to the other terminal by taking the airport train over.
Welcome to Terminal 1!
I did a check on my flight status and B-18919 was indeed flying me to Singapore.
Terminal 1
The walk from the train station (terminal train connection) to the terminal 1 takes less than 10 minutes.
The terminal 1 departure hall (landside)
These were the flights happening around the same time as mine.
Check-in desks for my flight.
The check-in process was fast and after a few minutes, I was on my way to security. It took about 15 minutes to clear security before passing through the automated immigration machine and then enter the airside.
For aviation enthusiasts, you are able to do some photography like this at some gates.
This is EVA Air's Boeing 777-300ER
Starlux A350-900
China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400F
China Airlines Airbus A321neo
It's time to board! Thanks for the hospitality, my Taiwanese friends!
Side view of B-18919
My ride: B-18919 (Photo: Steve Chang)
Airbus A350-941 (Leased from Altavair AirFiance)
Former Operator of SAS (SE-RSA)
Delivered to China Airlines in January 2024
Configuration: C40 W32 Y228
Engines: 2 X Roll Royce XWB-84
358th Airbus A350
Age: 5+ Years Old (March 2025)
Built in Toulouse (TLS)
Flight route: TPE-SIN
Miles: 1996
My seat: 42A (35C configuration - C40 W32 Y228)
Date of departure: 3rd December 2025
Airline: China Airlines
Flight: CI753
Route: TPE-SIN
Aircraft: Airbus A350-900
Aircraft code: 35C
Registration: B-18919
Departure Terminal: 1
Gate: A4
Seat: 42A
Load: 100% in Y Class
Flight Time: 3 hours 55 minutes
Actual Flight Time: 4 hours 1 minute
Schedule Departure: 0820 (Delayed)
Boarding: 0800
Push Back: 0836
Take Off: 0854
Schedule Arrival:1305
Actual Arrival: 1255
Departure Runway: 05L
Departure Weather: Clear
Arrival Runway: 02L
Arrival Weather: Cloudy
Welcome on board B-18919 (SAS's cabin)
My flight experience
Our flight was slightly delayed due to the late arrival from Rome and the aircraft needed more time to clean and get ready for the Singapore flight. The announcement of the delay was made and we started boarding at 0800 hours. The first thing I noticed is how different the cabin interior is compared to the previous aircraft I flew with China Airlines, the business class and premium economy class products on this aircraft looks newer.
What I noticed about the economy class cabin is the lack of pillow and blanket but one can request for it. After settling down the Christmas music video caught my attention as it repeated numerous number of times until our aircraft pushed back and that was annoying. Anyway once the aircraft pushed back, the crew were standing at their positions and a manual safety video was done and I was quite surprised about that as there was nothing wrong with the IFE system.
After take off, announcements were made informing us on our flight progress and also the time expected to have our meal served. Although I had my breakfast at the airport, I was feeling hungry so the wait to 1100 (About 2 and a half hours later) felt like an eternity! At least the crew informed us and besides it makes sense for them to serve it at that timing since lunch meals were prepared. Around 11 am, midway through our flight, our meals were served, I had a choice between the beef and chicken and I went with the beef option but it wasn't as good as the meal I had on board EVA Air's flight. For the inflight service, it was normal and I prefer the crew on my previous China Airlines flight to Taipei.
There was quite a bit of bumps along the way and seltbelt sign was turned on and off a few times but landing at Changi Airport was smooth and we landed ahead of schedule.
Business Class
These photos were photographed in the mini cabin circled in red. (just in front of the Premium Economy Class).
This is the layout of the cabin. The business class has 2 sections. (Photo: Aerolopa.com)
There are 40 Business Class Thompson Aero Vantage XL seats arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration. There are different seat arrangment for the seats near the window in which seat 10, 12, 15 and 17 (A and K) are closer to the aisle while seat 11, 14, 16 and 18 (A and K) are closer to the window.
As for the middle section of the 2-seater layout, some of the seats are closer to the aisle, while some are positioned inside, making it more suitable for those who like the idea of being closer to the partners.
Seats closer to the aisle: (10, 12, 15 and 17D) and (11,14, 16 and 18G)
These seats have a seat width of 22 inches which can be converted into a 76 inches flat bed and they come with a bi-foldable tray table which your personal device can be held onto it. For the IFE Screen, it comes with a 18.5 HD Touchscreen display and each passenger gets to charge their devices with a availablility of a Universal AC and 2 USB-A type sockets. Lastly, there is a small storage unit to store one's personal items.
The last middle seats row of the business class cabin
Which seat do you prefer? The seat closer to the aisle or to the window?
The first row of the business class cain
IFE Screen seems quite small.
I have tried out this type of seat and I find it to be quite comfortable.
A closer look of the control panel and charging ports with reading lamp.
A few more photos of these seats.
Overall, I don't have that "wow" feeling about this cabin.
Premium Economy
There are 32 Collin Aerospace MiQ seats arranged in a 2-4-2 configuration which means there are 4 rows in this mini section of the aircraft. Each seat has a seat width of 19 inches and comes with a legroom space of 38 inches. In addition, the seats can recline up to 8 inches and the passengers in this cabin can enjoy watching their shows on a 13.3 HD touchscreen display. An Universal AC and 2 USB-A sockets are provided as well.
2-4-2 seating configuration
I prefer these seats over the airline's owned product.
Legroom space looks good.
The view of the last row of premium economy class seats.
The 2-seater side near the window.
I find the seat to be quite comfortable.
A familar logo from the outside of the aircraft.
The window view of the Airbus A380 in Changi Airport.
There are 228 Economy Class seats comes with a legroom space of 31 inches and seat width of 18 inches and can recline up to 6 inches. Each seatback comes with a bi-foldable tray table and water bottle holder. For anyone that wishes to charge their devices, Universal AC and a USB-A socket are available.
The overhead compartment of the A350 is spacious.
This is my seat, 42A.
An overview of the economy class cabin.
The IFE screen of the economy class cabin.
A proper window seat, don't you agree? Thanks to aerolopa.com, I don't have to worry about windowless seats.
The second row of the economy class.
The seats in the premium economy class are darker than the ones in the economy class.
Legroom space is definitely tighter in the economy class cabin.
For the first row of the window side, the aisle seat passenger gets a lot of legroom space.
The curtains dividing both classes during the flight.
The first row of the economy class is configured in a 2-seater configuration, these are the best seats (40A and B and 40J and K).
40A and B seats
My seat: 42A
Legroom space is bearable.
I enjoyed the IFE entertainment system.
The gap between the seats is small.
Foldable tray table
I find the drink holder not very useful as drinks can be knocked off from the table easily, I prefer the ones with a hole that allows the cup to rest.
View from my seat
One last look of my seat before disembarking the aircraft.
What's provided for each Y class passenger?
A safety card
A disposable bbg
Pikachu theme cup
I chose a cup of orange juice for my beverage.
A packet of mixed snack was distributed before the meal service started.
Pre meal snack and beverage
I chose the beef option which comes with taiwanese style vegetables, fruits, bread and the main course (beef with vegetables).
For my 2nd round of beverage, I had a cup of coke.
I ate finished the beef with rice first before finishing the rest.
After that, a small tub of ice cream was distributed.
This is an interesting flavour!
I found it to be quite tasty and different from the usual flavours (Vanilla, Chocolate and Strawberry)
In-Flight Entertainment System
This is the Zodiac Rave system which provides audio and visual content that allows passengers to enjoy the entertainment on screen from gate to gate.
I find the screen quality to be quite good.
The inflight map
The movie selection, similar contents to the airline's other A350 aircraft.
I managed to catch a couple of movies on this flight.
I am able to watch the movie while checking out the inflight map at the same time.
We were almost there and at this point, we started our descent.
Inflight WiFi
No complimentary Wifi
These are the inflight charges applicable only on your current flight.
Lavatory
Basic amenities are provided.
The lavatory is spacious.
Window view photos (Take off to Landing)
The view from my seat, waiting for push back.
This is my first time spotting this Boeing 777-300ER of China Airlines in the Dreamliner special livery.
Unfortunately, the sun was facing directly at my direction.
I spotted another special livery - Skyteam Alliance livery.
Off we go!
It was certainly a beautiful day for flying.
Goodbye Taiwan, I'll be back soon.
We made a left turn and flew along the coast of Taiwan flying towards the south-east direction.
At this point. we started our descent.
On final approach
We touched down after 4 hours and 1 minute in the air.
We parked besides SQ's A380 at Terminal 3.
With that. my 2 weeks trip came to an end.
My flight summary
Changi Airport Terminal 3
It's back to reality.
Thanks for the ride, B-18919!
We had a bit of walking to do to get to the immigration.
The Departure Hall (Airside)
This is the arrival hall.
That's all, folks! The last trip report for 2024 is over, hope you enjoyed my flying adventures so far. More to come in 2025. What's coming up next? My Flight Review for 2024.
My ratings
Airline Website/Mobile app: 3/5
Airport Experience (TPE): 5/5
Inflight Service: 3/5
Seat Comfort: 5/5
Inflight Entertainment: 4/5
Cabin Ambiance: 5/5
Cabin Condition: 5/5
Cleanliness: 3/5 (Lavatory was dirty)
Inflight Meal: 3/5
Punctuality: 5/5
Overall Rating: 41/50
Percentage: 82%
Conclusion
I thought the cabin products on this aircraft was not bad especially the economy class product. Comparing the products between this and the standard airline's configuration, the products are newer. While I can't compare the economy class between this aircraft and the airline's own cabin products, I prefer this aircraft's premium economy class.
About the flight, in regards to the inflight service, I find this set of crew not as approachable or friendly as my outbound flight and I find the service to be quite rushed especially during meal time. Not long after my meal was served, the crew came around the cabin to start collecting the meal trays and of course quite a number of us were still eating so it was not a surprise they had to do multiple trips to the cabin to collect our trays. Why not wait a bit longer and collect the trays at one go?
For the IFE system, I find this system quite user-friendly although I find it puzzled why the airline's safety video was not shown as the crew had to do manual safety demonstration. Not a lot of movie contents in it but at least there are enough for long haul flights and what I like about the system is it allows you to view your flight's progress and watching the movie at the same time.
Lastly, about the inflight meal, I was disappointed with the quality, finding the beef too salty for my liking but at least there was ice cream which you can't go wrong.
What do I think about the aircraft's cabin products?
About the business class product: I like this cabin product after experiencing it myself on LATAM's 787-8.
About the economy class product: I find the economy class seat to be fairly comfortable but I don't think I have any issues flying with long haul on this aircraft. The IFE system is adequate enough for long haul flights but it's contents are lacking comparing to the top airlines.
About the premium economy product: I tried out the seat for a few minutes and I find it slightly more comfortable than the airline's owned product.
Whatever it is, the airline will update it's cabin products from 2027 onwards and the question is will the 2 leased A350-900 be included in the refurblishment of the cabin products or will the airline retain the current set-up until the end of lease. We will know about it in due course.
Since I have flown on all 3 airline's Premium Economy and Economy Class cabins, here is my comparison among the 3 airlines, based on my recent experiences.
China Airlines vs EVA Air vs Starlux (2025)
Best Mobile App/Website: Starlux (Clear Winner)
Best Check-in Experience: Starlux
Best Economy Class: EVA Air (Boeing 777-300ER 77A configuration)
Best Premium Economy: EVA Air
Best Economy Class Inflight Meal: EVA Air (HND-TSA Nov 2024 flight)
Best Premium Economy Inflight Meal: China Airlines (SIN-TPE Nov 2024 flight)
Best Inflight Entertainment System: Starlux
Best Inflight Wifi: EVA Air (30 mins complimentary)
Best Inflight Service: EVA Air
Best Inflight Experience: Starlux (SIN-TPE Sept 2023)
Overall: EVA Air
Thanks for reading!
Charles
For my China Airlines A350-900 (Premium Economy) SIN-TPE, click here
For my previous trip report (Air Do's Boeing 767-300ER CTS-HND), click here
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