FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - China Airlines considers using 6 options on A350-1000 and to fly MXP/PRG
Old Oct 22, 2018, 1:40 am
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coolfish1103
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: CAN, LAX, TPE
Programs: AA, AS, CI, DL, UA
Posts: 2,882
China Airlines considers using 6 options on A350-1000 and to fly MXP/PRG

After receiving the 14th and final Airbus A350-900XWB, China Airlines currently has 6 A350-900XWB options not used.

At the ceremony conducted for receiving the final A350-900XWB, President Ho of China Airlines has announced that they are looking into converting these options to A350-1000.

New destinations will be launched at Winter 19/20 for Europe, namely Milan (MXP) and Prague (PRG).

The bilateral between Taiwan and Italy is capped at 5 weekly, but China Airlines is looking at operating TPE-MXP at 3 weekly. China Airlines will need to apply for an additional frequency at Milan.

As for Prague, the initial operation will be capped at 2 weekly. However, the Czechs are willing to give China Airlines the rights to operate fifth freedom to Prague, so it remains to be seen if this flight will be operated as a one-stop or direct. For example, if rights are offered at both ends, China Airlines can operate flights such as TPE-BKK-PRG or TPE-PRG-ZRH.

With new destinations at MXP and PRG announced, even if A350-1000 does not fall as planned, the 6 options have to be used for these additional flights. Therefore, it's safe to conclude that some of the options will be utilized (A350-900XWB or 1000 or even other Airbus planes). If 6 additional rights were to be utilized, we are looking at 21 weekly flights to North America or Europe. However, I find it difficult to operate such a small amount of aircraft, maybe they should follow up with 4-6 more orders.

If A350-1000 is to be purchased, then I expect some 77W destinations such as JFK will be substituted with 351.
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