Jaunted - Tag: Air China

So About That In-Flight WiFi Coming to Air China...It's Gogo.

kjb — 2011-11-21T09:52:57-05:00

We knew that Air China was testing out in-flight WiFi aboard some of its domestic flights, and it sounds like the initial tests must have gone pretty darn well. That’s because even more tests and trials are planned for additional flights through the first part of 2012.

Again, the in-flight WiFi is technically for accessing the airline’s entertainment system, so online holiday shopping high above China isn’t exactly an option just yet. However, we can’t imagine that it’ll remain that way for long, because it's actually our buddies over at Gogo providing the in-flight magic. Just like back at home in the nifty fifty, it’s Gogo that’s responsible for all the wires, transmitters, and other do-dads that makes the system hum along.

China Gets Its Very First In-Flight WiFi Flights Thanks to Air China

kjb — 2011-11-11T09:50:01-05:00

Alright this might not be as groundbreaking as United’s announcement to finally equip their planes with plenty of WiFi. However, it does have to do with airplanes and in-flight connectivity, so we think it’s a winner.

Air China is testing out their own flavor of in-flight WiFi this week, and that makes it the very first airline in China to do so. It’s even free for all passengers while the airline works to test it out, so that’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Watch the Skies for United's Eco Plane, Already Flying on Biofuels

jetflyboy — 2011-11-08T09:00:03-05:00

Huge news. Yesterday marked the first time a US airline used biofuel in a commercial flight. No, it wasn't Alaska Airlines even though they are trying; it was United, and they flew their eco-friendly 737-800 from Continental's's former home base, Houston, to the United home base of Chicago.

For the #avgeeks: The biofuel is algae-based and includes 60 percent petroleum fuel and 40 percent biofuel produced by a company named Solazyme.

The eco-consciousness isn't limited to what goes in the tank, either. United flight attendants now push lighter serving carts and pilots traded in their 38-pound flight bags for more weight-conscious iPads (already loaded with their in-flight navigation charts and aircraft manuals). Furthermore, United makes it easy for plane spotters to identify the Mother Earth-friendly aircraft by its green winglets and 'eco-skies' written towards the front of the fuselage.

This Week is All About Bermuda, China, and Liberia Thanks to New Routes

kjb — 2011-04-29T07:26:44-05:00

Sometimes it’s hard to stay on top of all the new route announcements that come our way, so we’ve complied a little bit of a rundown below. As long as you can afford the fares, this should definitely help add to your passport stamp collection.

· Air China:
After a few days in Milan you might just get sick of being in Italy—we’re kidding—but if you do there’s always Air China to help you escape Europe and head into Asia. Beginning on June 15, the carrier will be sending Airbus A330s back and forth between Milan and Beijing just in time for the summer tourism season. The flights will run three times per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. They’re the only airline flying nonstop on this route, so expect to pay a little bit of a premium if you decide to hop between continents anytime soon.

· Air France:
If you’re looking to impress your friends with a unique trip, you might just want to consider some of Air France’s new options to West Africa. Earlier this month they started up flights to Freetown—that’s in Sierra Leone—as well as flights to Monrovia, Liberia. They’re even heading to the capital of Guinea; that’s Conakry of course! All the flights will depart from Paris—not surprising—and will be operated thanks to a little assistance from those trusty Airbus A330s.

Air China Looks Like They're Going For World Domination

amandak — 2009-10-30T08:39:19-05:00

Air China last came to our attention with their cheap and lucky tours; now they want to make us happy (and make themselves some money, no doubt) with a bunch of new domestic and international routes.

China-side, there are now flights between Beijing and Daqing, Chengdu and Zhuhai, and Shenzhen and Dazhou, making it easier to get around this large land. And to get there in the first place, Air China has started new routes between Beijing and Tokyo's Haneda Airport, and from Hangzhou to Frankfurt, Germany.

$888 Will Get You Ten Days In China, Plus Lots Of Luck

amandak — 2009-10-13T08:58:37-05:00

We're not always big fans of package tours, but a deal we just heard about from China Spree sounds like it could be a great way to see the musts of China if you don't have too much cash or too many vacation days. Their 10-day Golden Triangle Tour is priced at a lucky $888 (well, a lucky number for the Chinese, at least) and whirls you around China's highlights by plane and train.

Flying direct with Air China from San Francisco to Beijing, the tour takes in the Forbidden City, the Great Wall of China and the Summer Palace, then you spend a night on a train to get to Xian to see the Terracotta Warriors. A flight to Shanghai to shop and sight-see rounds out the trip.

Air China First Class Is Great But Not Fantastic

amandak — 2009-02-04T09:09:19-05:00

We don't know what we were expecting, but this first class sleeper seat on an Air China Boeing 747 looks so, well, normal.

Of course, we love the lie-flat idea and Flickr photographer Toby describes the seat at "lovely", so we probably shouldn't be complaining.

Perhaps the problem is just that the whole cabin looks a bit bland. It could be practically any first class cabin in the world. Where are the fancy-looking seats or the pretty pictures? Seems like our expectations are a step beyond what Air China can provide.

Related Stories:
· How First Class on Singapore Airlines Spent Christmas [Jaunted]
· Alitalia Says Bye Bye Pretty Pictures [Jaunted]
· Air China Coverage [Jaunted]

[Photo: Toby Simkin]