TransAsia Airways Taipei to Kansai in Business RT 2013

[Carfield]

Transasia Airways Trip Report 2013



Here is Part two of my summer trip report and I am sure most of you have never heard or heard little about TransAsia Airways (復興), which is a regional airline based in Taiwan. China Airlines and EVA Airways are better known around the world, but some local Taiwanese airline tried and tries to build a regional operation that can capture the popular tourist destinations to Korea and Japan, and to Mainland China. There are a number of local Taiwanese airlines that have always flown the domestic flights, especially the once busy Taipei Songshan (the original Taipei city airport) and Kaohsiung corridor, and to other cities like Tainan and Taichung. However with the completion of the Taiwan High Rail Service, these domestic flights always become obsolete overnight, and Taiwanese domestic operations are downscaled to flights to the Makung and Kimen, as well as a few isolated cities. These Taiwanese domestic airlines need a new way to survive, and TransAsia Airways is one of these Taiwanese airlines, who attempt to build a network of leisure destinations to Southeast Asia and most importantly, North Asia, and later, the direct cross-strait service between Taiwan and Mainland China, and also its service between Taiwan and Macau, which is one of its first international routes. TransAsia Airways has a long history in Taiwan but not as an airline, but as an agency for foreign airline, ground handling company and catering in Taiwan. Thai Airways is one of its long time clients. Domestic flights were resumed in 1988 and international airlines started at 1995. It started with a fleet of narrowbody A320s/A321s and later ATR72s, but last year, TransAsia took a bold step by purchasing two Airbus A330-300Xs to serve the busy routes to Japan, especially Hokkaido, and Southeast Asian flights like Bangkok and Singapore. I am always curious about its new A330, and despite of no mileage on major Western and even Asian airlines, its business class pricing is very reasonable, and I have decided to do a weekend trip from Taipei to Osaka Kansai flight.

Booking:
I used TransAsia Airways’ own booking site for these tickets. I will admit that it is not difficult to use, while for non-Chinese speakers, it may be a slight challenge. It is not bad using Asian airlines standard, but compared to China Airlines and EVA Air, TransAsia website is just not as useful. However when I send them an email regarding seat assignment, it was answered within hours. It even sent me a link to modify my reservation. The system was set up the same way as China Airlines. However, they offer very good fares especially in business class, if you book on line. My roundtrip ticket to Osaka is around $500USD, which is not bad. But you must book it online. There are good business class fares on its A330 flights to Japan and Thailand (Singapore is being cancelled next month).

Flight information:
August 24, 2013
GE 602 TPE-KIX Lv0810 Arr1140 Airbus A330-300X B-22102

August 25, 2013
GE 601 KIX-TPE Lv1240 Arr1415 Airbus A330-300X B-22102

Check-in
Taipei Taoyuan Airport:


TransAsia Airways uses Terminal One in Taipei, which has finally completed its renovation. It is very impressive and much nicer than the dated Terminal One. China Airlines is its ground-handling agent now, and it is interesting in seeing how times have changed. There are basically two major banks of flights and the morning was brutal here at Taipei. With the summer holidays, the desks are busy with two full loads of A330 flights, as well as other morning flights to other secondary Japanese destinations, Chinese and Korean cities. The first bunch of pictures was taken a few days earlier when the desks were empty, and the second bunch was taken the day of. There are major differences.








I arrived at the airport about two hours prior to departure. The check-in desks were very busy in the economy class section, but the business class section was relatively empty. However there was no agent staying there, as they went to help out the economy class section. It took me a while before I was checked in. The agent wearing a TransAsia Airways uniform looked very hassled, and unlike most Taiwanese agents, he was rather indifferent. He was still polite but looked very tired. Boarding bass and lounge invitations were given, and I was invited to go through immigration soon, as it was a very busy day here in Taoyuan airport.

[Carfield]

Check-in at Osaka Kansai Airport
JAL was the groundling agency for TransAsia Airways in Kansai airport, and check-in took place at Aisle F. Both business and economy class lines were very busy this morning. There were many families going home and most business class passengers were checking in many bags to check-in, as well as seating and visa problems. The agents were very busy and language was a major issue here. Of course I came with more problems, as I needed the agent to check thru my bag to EVA Airways. The agent looked through files and it took her a while to finish the whole process. She apologized for taking too long and I apologized for making her doing something unusual. It was a very Asian interaction. She also told me that the flight was not full in business class and the seat next to be was blocked. It took almost thirty minutes but since there was no TransAsia staffs helping, it was about right. (But the supervisor was behind me chatting with friends!)









Lounge


TransAsia has its own lounge in Taipei airport, which is actually quite nice. It is not too busy and there is a proper sit down restaurant with typical Taiwanese rice, noodles, and dim sum dishes made fresh to order, as well as a nice buffet. I actually think the catering is better than EVA Air’s lounges. The quality is also comparable to China Airlines. The space is a bit smaller but it is comfortable. There are many comfortable seating area with sufficient outlets for electronic devices. There is a also a very nice wine bar but not sure if it is ever heavily used. There is a TV showing BBC. There is also an oxygen bar, which is highly unusual. However the design is quite nice for a leisure airline.

[Carfield]

[Carfield]

TransAsia uses KIX Air Side Lounge in Kansai, which is located at the main shopping area before the train stop. It is actually another surprisingly good airline lounge, as the JAL, ANA, and Cathay Pacific lounges at Osaka are really bad with limited seating area and catering. This lounge actually has some sushi pastries, hot soups, and more substantial food than other lounges. I love the grapefruit jelly. The staffs were polite and helpful. The décor was modern and relaxing. I love the view over the apron and R/W24L/6R. They also have their own bathrooms. Air France, KLM, Air Calin, China Airlines, and TransAsia Airways use this lounge.

[Carfield]

Grapefruit Jelly – lovely


Nice storage spaces for cabin bags


Gate:
Taipei – Gate A4 was used this morning – B-22102 was already at the gate when I arrived. The inbound flight from Singapore arrived on time. I saw it landing around 5:30am from my Novotel hotel room. But TransAsia really uses its two A330s heavily, with at least two daily rotations – morning to Japan and afternoon to Thailand/Singapore (and SIN flight was a redeye return too).

[Carfield]

Kansai – Gate S37 was used today
The inbound arrived a bit late today due to weather.




Air Calin A330 Next Door – maybe one day I will fly this…


Boarding:
Boarding began slightly late at 7:46am. Things were very busy at Taoyuan airport this morning. There was a separate business-class boarding lane. TransAsia also has its own elite members too. A very handsome and friendly flight attendant immediately welcomed me on board and showed me my way to my seat, 2A. He was pretty good-looking and younger than the average F/As on China Airlines and EVA Airways. In general, the F/As on TransAsia Airways are a bit younger than the major Taiwanese carriers. They can feel that they try very hard. They are not as polished and at least they tried. I have heard mixed reviews of GE F/As, but I presume those working the A330-300s will be the prime of the crop. They just need more polishing and experiences. Instead of the usual tray of OJ/water, you can order your choice of pre-takeoff beverage like most US carriers, and hot towels were passed out in a lacquered tray. TransAsia Airways really tries to up the game.

My choice of beverage – water and cold towel in a lacquered tray


For the return flight, boarding started at 12:33pm, as the inbound was late. I could only verify that GE has return catering, but a full cleaning crew was seen going onboard. The crews were still young but the service was not as good as the flight coming to Kansai. They were a bit slower and less organized, as it took the whole two hours to serve a two-third full business class cabin (21 passengers). The male F/A in the J cabin is okay looking but not as good as the flight coming over. At least he was more polite than the other girls, who looked very stressed. Anyway, the same pre-takeoff beverage and towels were offered, along with newspapers. I presume they just need to build up the experiences, as this A330 operation has only been happening for less than a year. I will give them credits for trying.

Champagne on the return flight:


I really need to give TransAsia credit for serving the hot towels in a fancier way


Flight information:
From Taipei to Osaka, the flight was running on time. Boarding was completed at 8:02am. Yes a full Airbus A330-300 was fully boarded in sixteen minutes, and we pushed back three minutes later. However there was some cargo traffic this morning, and after a few EVA Air and China Airlines Cargo Boeing 747-400s took off, we made our turn at R/W23R and lifted off at 8:19am. Flying time was two hours and nineteen minutes. Our routing took us towards the South China Sea, as we climbed to 41,000feet. We passed Kuroshima Islands, Ibusuki, Kanoya, Nichinan, Tosashimizu, Tosay Bay, Tokushima Airport, and Sumoto. Descent began at 11:03am Japanese local time, and we landed on R/W24R at 11:38am. We parked at gate 37 in the South Concourse at 11:45am.

The return flight went a bit late, as the inbound did not park at gate till 12:07pm. Boarding finally began at 12:33pm and there was a separate business and economy class line. Everyone was pretty much queuing in order, so boarding was completed quickly. The load was a bit lighter but still busy in economy cabin. Door was closed at 12:48pm, and after an Asiana Airlines Boeing 777-200ER HL7597 took off, we lifted off from R/W24L at 1:05pm. Flying time was two hours and eleven minutes with a cruising attitude of 40,000feet. The flight took us over Higashikagawa, Mima, Tosa, Hyuga, Kagoshima and Osumi Islands before heading towards Taipei. Descent began at 2:48pm Taiwan local time, and we landed on R/W23L at 2:16pm and parked at gate B4 at 2:21pm.

Cabin:
TransAsia really invests in the business class products for these two A330s. Given they served mostly short and medium haul flights. They use the exact same seat as Singapore Airlines’ regional business class cabin. However SQ is a bit more generous in the legroom. I presume if GE goes long haul, it can easily modify the cabin.

[Carfield]

Seat:





There are four pre-set seating positions:
Takeoff and Upright


Semi Recline Position




Lounging Position

[Carfield]

Lie Flat Position – it is almost 180 degrees full flat









Individual features of the seats:
Back of the seats – Personal Television, magazine pockets, and two light closet spaces



More storage spaces on the main armrests

[Carfield]

Power Outlet and USB port


Seat Control Panel – there were four preset stations and then you can adjust the seat individually


Bottled water holders


Divider between seats – more reading lights




Magazine pocket
TransAsia Airway has a safety card, in-flight magazine, duty free shop and vomit bag


Catering



This is one thing that I actually care about. There are printed menus and TransAsia creates a “Dining Room” concept for its business class product. The service trays, glassware and chinaware are very modern and stylish.

I love the champagne flute.


Normal beverage glasses – at least it is not like a tiny glass used by many Asian airlines. Just the right size for cold beverages, which are on high demands on all these flights to Southeast Asia!


Cup for hot beverages


TransAsia catering is a long established company in Taiwan, and the quality of the food is pretty good. But I found the breakfast especially the Chinese sets a bit on the small side. Congee is a light dish and you really need a bit more sides. For a two hours flight, one tray meal is good, and the tray does not remind me of economy class, but the portion size needs to be larger for the Chinese set, or they should add more dim sum components, or serve a heavier noodle soup or noodle dish. For the return flight, it is better. Return catering for sure – however, the octopus appetizer tastes pretty bad. It should stick with more commonly known. I had the hamburger steak entrée, which was good. I love the warmed bread rolls and garlic bread. Dessert was served separately and featured a more Japanese theme – Japanese persimmon filled with red bean paste along with nougat candies.

Here is the full beverage and wine list:
Beverage list
Spirits
Remy Martin VSOP
Camus X.O.
Glenfiddich 12 Years Old Single Malt Scotch Whiskey
Bombay Sapphire Gin
Eristoff Vodka

Champagne
Jean Milan Brut Tradition

Whites
Pinot Grigio “Ben Glaetzer” Heartland, Langhorne Creek South Australia
Sauvignon Blanc Kim Crawfod, Marlborough New Zealand

Reds
Cabernet Sauvignon McWilliams Hanwood Estate South Australia
Shiraz Grenache Rolf Binder, Halliwell Barossa Valley South Australia

Beer
Taiwan Beer
Heineken

Water
Sparkling Mineral Water
Natural Mineral Water

Tea
Oolong Tea
Green Tea
Black Tea

Soft Drinks
Orange Juice
Apple Juice
Tomato Juice
Coca Cola
Sprite
Diet Coca Cola
Ginger Ale
Soda Water
Tonic Water

[Carfield]

Here are the menus:
GE 602 Taipei to Osaka Kansai

Business Class “The Dining Room”
“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” Mark Twain

Food
Appetizer
Fresh Tropical Fruit
Cranberry Yogurt
(Only for Western set)

Mains
Congee with Preserved Egg and Meat
Four Condiments
Pan Fried Turnip Cake







Or
Scrambled Egg & Cheese Sausage
Baked Tomato, sautéed potato with parsley, Cheese Sausage

Coffee/Tea
BC_SM_BF1_02 |Business Class

GE 601 Osaka Kansai to Taipei

Business Class “The Dining Room”
“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like and let the food fight it out inside.” Mark Twain




Appetizer
Octopus with Chili sauce

[Carfield]

Mains
Roasted Chicken Thigh with Sweet Chili Sauce
Or
Hamburger Steak with Mushroom Sauce




Or
Taiwanese Spicy Beef Noodle Soup

Dessert






Fruit

BC_SM_LD2_02| Business Class

Entertainment System
TransAsia Airways offers noise-canceling headsets for all J passengers – of course a local brand. (There are also slippers for everyone!)
Personal television entertainment – there are many movies and television shows, and of course, there are more than enough selection given how short most of their flights are. They are also a bit more Chinese/Taiwanese oriented, but there are the typical Hollywood movies and television shows like “Glee” and “Big Bang Theory.” Everything is on demand. There is the Sky Map function too, but it does not show any attitude and speed information.

Lavatory

[Carfield]

View of the plane prior to arrival – very cloudy day at Kansai Airport


Pre-landing nougat candies


TransAsia Airways A330-300X at KIX



China Airlines Boeing 747-400 B-18203 Specially-painted


Arrival into Taipei


Conclusion:
I am pretty impressed with TransAsia Airways, and the new A330s are very comfortable in the business class cabin. The F/As are younger and as I mentioned before, they still need a bit more experience. There was no trolley service so everything was delivered from the galley. It took quite a bit of organizations to carry out the whole service. There are three F/As serving the business class cabin – two serving each aisle and then one serving in the galley. I still think more filling meals should be offered. Unfortunately, they are not linked up with any major Taiwanese airlines in terms of mileage accruals. But if you ever need a connector, TransAsia may be a good airline to think about.

Carfield

[9V-JKL]

Thanks for sharing. A pity they will stop flying to SIN this weekend.

[inix]

I flew TransAsia last year from Songshan to Hualien. I left my iPad on the flight and thought I lost it for good as I only realised it like the next day. But somehow, I managed to get back my iPad, and they were very apologetic about it, for reasons beyond me seriously. On the other hand, I was extremely thankful to them as it was my boy's entertainment engine while we were in TW.

The flight with TransAsia pretty much sums up my typical Taiwanese experience. Extremely nice and warm people with plenty to miss about...

Carfield,

One thing that I found about this flight is how similar the seats and setup are to the SQ A330. It's almost like they are clones... Seems to me that TransAsia leased them from the same company that SQ did?

[j.lin]

Thanks for the report, as what Inix has pointed out, the seats are identical to SQ regional seats.

Also the congee looks really good! I believe you can always ask for more servings.