Royal Brunei Airlines launches codeshare flight with China Airlines to Taipei

Royal Brunei Airlines launches codeshare flight with China Airlines to Taipei

3 December 2018, 9:40 AM

Royal Brunei Airlines (RB) held an official launch of its inaugural flight to Taipei with a blessing ceremony on 3rd December 2018 at the Brunei International Airport. The flight was operated with a special livery A320neo aircraft which showcase the very best of Brunei Tourism.

The national carrier of Brunei Darussalam will operate the new route with China Airlines (CI) on a codeshare basis. The RB and CI codeshare flights will allow both airlines’ guests to purchase their flights to and from Brunei and Taipei with the route operated by RB under both RB and CI flight number for seamless travel connections.

RB’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Karam Chand said, “RB is very pleased to have China Airlines as our codeshare partner to operate our new route. Through this code share partnership, RB and CI guests will be able to enjoy the convenience of a seamless travel experience between both cities. We warmly welcome China Airlines guests on board our flights which will be operated using one of our game-changing A320neo aircraft. Both RB and CI guests can look forward to the new cabin features from the aircraft, including our signature RB service known for our Bruneian warm hospitality and unmatched level of in-flight entertainment (IFE) with more than 1,000 entertainment content to enjoy on demand at every seat. We recently welcomed our seventh A320neo aircraft this November, allowing us to operate largely new technology aircraft and giving us the benefit of having one of the youngest fleet in the world with average age of just two years. We hope to delight our guests with an enhanced journey experience whenever they step on board our modern aircraft.”

“RB first flew to Taipei in 1986, and we are excited to re-connect Bandar Seri Begawan with the vibrant city of Taipei once again. Taipei is projected to be a key tourism and trade market for Brunei as well as a major contributor to RB’s network. With this new route, we have strengthened our regional network and enable increased connectivity options for our guests through the marketing of our single and dual destinations packages in all the cities we serve, including new destinations such as Kuching which we will operate effective 28 December 2018,” he added.

China Airlines President Su-Chien Hsieh said that the carrier has a longstanding partnership with Royal Brunei Airlines and had previously been RB’s ground handling agent for airports in Taiwan. China Airlines and RB will now start code-sharing for the first time on non-stop flights between Taipei and Bandar Seri Begawan, a move that will help boost ties between the two regions. The partnership between China Airlines and RB will take advantage of Brunei’s development potential and help build a more comprehensive global network. Travelers from Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia are likely to make Taiwan their new transit hub as well. The boost in product coverage and competitiveness will provide travelers with a greater range of flight options.

RB earlier held a promotional event in Taipei on 1st and 2nd December 2018 with RB’s International Brand Ambassador, Wu Chun, in conjunction with the new TPE flight. The event included a Destination Brunei marketing campaign where Wu Chun took part in activities with thousands of fans and visitors at the event venue to promote and attract new tourists to Brunei Darussalam.

“I warmly welcome even more visitors from Taipei to my beautiful Country – Brunei Darussalam. My Brunei offers unique experience where you will find everyone here is family as you are greeted with the warm smile of Bruneian hospitality, wondrous sights of our rich and cultural heritage, together with the serene downtown and many sights you will discover. With RB’s direct flights and its award winning services, your holiday to the Abode of Peace will start the moment you step on our aircraft,” said Wu Chun.

The inaugural flight from Brunei landed in Taipei Taoyuan International Airport with a water cannon salute at 13:45hrs and was greeted with a welcoming ceremony. The RB Head of Delegation was led by RB’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Martin Aeberli, who was on the first flight, which included a group of 48 Bruneian students who will be attending the 2018 Compatriot Youth Taiwan Tour to explore the local culture.

RB also held a dinner reception last night to celebrate the inaugural flight with our business partners attended by RB brand ambassador, China Airlines, travel and tour agents, and airport officials at the Sheraton Grand Taipei Hotel.

The thrice weekly flights to Taipei will be operated using RB’s new fleet of A320NEO aircraft as follows:

Flight Numbers Sector Timing

Flight tickets under the codeshare agreement can be purchased from our guests preferred travel agents or through both Royal Brunei Airlines’ and China Airlines sales offices, call centre and websites; via www.flyroyalbrunei.com and www.china-airlines.com