Just returned from a regional return flight in business class on this asian carrier… and I was really really surprised by the experience:
boarding
- priority boarding handled well
- welcomed on board and advised, during seating, which seats would remain empty and invited to move to maximise comfort
- hot towel
- choice of water, orange juice and champagne (although one passenger asked for, and was given, hot tea instead)
- champagne served in airline style 'flutes'
- drink and tea menu presented and orders taken for post take-off drinks
- slippers unwrapped and placed by feet ready for use
post takeoff
- dinner orders taken, asked when we would like to dine!
- another hot towel
- very well mixed aperitif, served with mixed nuts (in a bowl!)
- tasty cafeteria style meals. outbound appetizer a bit of a mystery, but on the return the appetizer was a delicious anti-pasti plate with ricotta cheese, marinated vegetables, blanched asparagus
- coursers served individually
- salt and pepper brought out with the main course, attention to detail to ensure the the pattern on the shakers was matched up and paced directly showing to the passenger
- 6 types of warm bread
- fresh fruit for dessert, plus cake with coffee
- coffee served with individual mini milk jugs!
- tray cleared and another hot towel.
landing
- absolute priority for disembarkation
- sign ‘thank you for flying Air China’
Yes – this was Air China! English was pretty good (for what it needed to achieve) and in fact on the return flight the attendant’s english was excellent to the point of being able to engage in a conversation about work and travel plans.
In most respects - food and IFE excluded - the service was on par for both flights with Singapore Airlines business class. Previous (minor) issues mentioned on FT about coffee coming out with the main course have now been rectified and on both flights I was asked to confirm I wanted coffee after the meal with the desert! The 'dine on demand' option may have been to do with flight length and cabin load (not too full).
Well done to CA (although note this was a short 3 hour flight, the seats for longer flights need to be chosen carefully to get their latest product).