Route: Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Departure date and time of flight: June 2013

Flight Number: HO1290

Flight duration: 2 hours 40 minutes

Class: FIRST CLASS

Aircraft type: Airbus A320-200

IACO Callsign: Air Juneyao

IATA Code: HO

Aircraft Registration: B-6024

Punctuality of the flight:

By some amazing grace of the almighty, the flight departed on time, and landed on time as well in a rather cloudy Shanghai Hongqiao Airport.

Any baggage issues:

No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece. Juneyao Airlines allows upto one bag weighing 30kg in First Class.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

The check-in staff were polite, smiled and very professional. There was no problem what so ever. I had arrived around two hours before departure. I had arrived at the airport at least an hour beforehand, and so there was no problem what so ever. It was nice to be early so then I could manage some aircraft shots.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

After take-off, a variety of drinks (standard- tea, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade, or coca cola) were offered. As with most of the airlines in China, the drinks (coca cola, orange etc.) were all branded with the Juneyao Airlines logo. A packet of salted almonds was also provided.

Comments regarding the first meal:

Just prior to lunch being served, a wet hand towel was offered.

The meal tray consisted of the following:

* Cold bread
* Two slices of orange fruit
* Cold salad plate with fresh king prawns, creaser salad, chicken wings, and a wedge of lemon slice.
* Warm bread from the basket
* A choice of one of: chicken & rice, fish balls & rice, or pork & rice. I opted for the fish balls & rice.

First impressions were that the food is of good quality. Airline food in China is getting better by the day. The quantity was also just about right- not too much, and not too little either.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks was offered after the meal.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

There was no IFE system. On the A320, the overhead screens come down when the safety announcement is made, and then they are hidden away for the rest of the flight.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The staff were very professional, always had a smile on their faces and were quick to respond to any kind of request from the passengers. The Captain was kind enough to allow me into the flight deck before the flight.

Improvements that could be made:

Perhaps have mood lighting when the aircraft is flying in between different time zones (morning, afternoon and evening) - hey, I could honestly find nothing else wrong with this flight!

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The Airbus A320-300 belonging to Juneyao Airlines is clean, and had a fresh smell upon entering the cabin. The cabin consists of the trademark purple, burgundy and maroon colours on all the seats, and cushions. The dragon logo of the Juneyao Airlines brand is also proudly displayed on the cushions.

There are eight seats in the First Class cabin, with a 2-2 configuration. Each First Class seat is 48.0-inch seat pitch and 21.0 inch width. There are 144 Economy Class seats in a 3-3 configuration. Each Economy Class seats provides a 31.0-inch pitch, and has a width of 19.0 inch.

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 8

Based at both Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and Shanghai Pudong Airport, Juneyao Airlines is China's first private airline. Founded in 2005, the airline has a fleet of 22 aircraft (20 Airbus A320-200, and 2 Airbus A319 aircraft), flying to 32 destinations including  Hong Kong.


Route: Shanghai Hongqiao Airport to Xi’an Xianyang International Airport

Departure date and time of flight: September 2012

Flight Number: HO1250

Flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes

Class: FIRST CLASS

Aircraft type: Airbus A320-200

IACO Callsign: Air Juneyao

IATA Code: HO

Aircraft Registration: B-6018

Punctuality of the flight:

As soon as you see a drop of water over the skies of Shanghai, you can assume that the flights are going to be delayed (for unknown reasons- even the Captain could not tell me). However, on this occasion our flight departed on time, and landed on time at the other end. The flight actually displayed the best service that Juneyao Airlines has to provide. Everything went smoothly and without any problems throughout the whole flight experience. 

The best part of this flight route is when the plane goes right over the famous Qinling Mountains near Xi'an. The Qinling Mountains are one of the longest and largest range of mountains that geographically set the north and south of China apart. Peaking at over 6,000 feet, the mountains provide a spectacular view when arriving into Xi'an. 

Any baggage issues:

No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece. Juneyao Airlines allows upto one bag weighing 30kg in First Class.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

The check-in staff were polite, smiled and very professional. There was no problem what so ever. I had arrived around two hours before departure. I had arrived at the airport at least an hour beforehand, and so there was no problem what so ever. It was nice to be early so then I could manage some aircraft shots.

Juneyao Airline Lounge:

The airline lounge used by Juneyao Airlines is not owned by the airline itself. Passengers flying with other airlines (except Air China, China Eastern and China Southern Airlines), also have access to this lounge which is located on the 2nd floor of Terminal 2 (near area A). There are plenty of food options, and drinks available. The Club Lounge is clean, smells fresh, and the clientele are mostly business travellers.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Just prior to departure, the cabin crew offered a wet towel, and a choice of drinks consisting of orange juice, apple juice, and water.

After take-off, a variety of drinks (standard- tea, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade, or coca cola) were offered. As with most of the airlines in China, the drinks (coca cola, orange etc.) were all branded with the Juneyao Airlines logo. A packet of the trademark Juneyao Airlines salted almonds was also provided.

Comments regarding the first meal:

On Juneyao Airlines, First Class passengers are offered a choice of when they would like to eat their meal. I ate my meal around about 30 minutes after departure.

The meal tray consisted of the following:

* Cold salad plate with salami rolls, beef balls, a slice of fresh papaya, and a carnival of vegetables.
* Warm bread rolls from the basket
* Sweet corn and pork chops soup
* A plate of fresh fruit consisting of watermelon, and orange slices
* A choice of one of: chicken & rice, fish & rice, or pork & rice. I opted for the fish & rice.
* Butter provided by Anchor.
* A bowl consisting of sweet Chinese pudding (made from soya bean curd).

The fish meat came with small bones and skin still attached to it. However, it was edible and nice to the tongue. The meal was served on bone china, and with stainless steel cutlery (which is thankfully making a comeback onto in-flight meals around the world). The best part was the delicious Chinese pudding provided at the end of the meal service.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

Second rounds of drinks were offered after the meal.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

There was no IFE system. On the A320, the overhead screens come down when the safety announcement is made, and then they are hidden away for the rest of the flight.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The staff were very professional, always had a smile on their faces and were quick to respond to any kind of request from the passengers. Even on this flight, the Captain was kind enough to allow me into the flight deck before, and after the flight, so I took the opportunity to take some good shots of the controls of this A320.

Improvements that could be made:

Perhaps have mood lighting when the aircraft is flying in between different time zones (morning, afternoon and evening) - hey, I could honestly find nothing else wrong with this flight!

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The Airbus A320-300 belonging to Juneyao Airlines is clean, and had a fresh smell upon entering the cabin. The cabin consists of the trademark purple, burgundy, and maroon colours on all the seats, and cushions. The dragon logo of the Juneyao Airlines brand is also proudly displayed on the cushions.

There are eight seats in the First Class cabin, with a 2-2 configuration. Each First Class seat is 48.0-inch seat pitch and 21.0 inch width. There are 144 Economy Class seats in a 3-3 configuration. Each Economy Class seats provides a 31.0-inch pitch, and has a width of 19.0 inch.

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 8

Based at both Shanghai Hongqiao Airport, and Shanghai Pudong Airport, Juneyao Airlines is China's first private airline. Founded in 2005, the airline has a fleet of 22 aircraft (20 Airbus A320-200, and 2 Airbus A319 aircraft), flying to 32 destinations including  Hong Kong.

Route: Shenzhen Bao’an Airport to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport

Departure date and time of flight: August 2012

Flight Number: HO1112

IACO Callsign: AIR JUNEYAO

IATA Code: HO

Flight duration: 2 hours 20 minutes (turned out to be nearly 4 hours and 30 minutes hours with added delay!)

Class: FIRST CLASS

Aircraft type: Airbus A320-200

Aircraft Registration: B-6022

Punctuality of the flight:

The plane was delayed for over two hour because of ‘military activity’ in the South China Sea area. This is not the first time such delays have occurred, and probably won’t be the last time either. The captain, an expat from Italy, informed me that the Chinese Air Force was performing sorties over the South China Sea in response to Japan claiming the purchase of the controversial Diaoyu/Senkaku Islands. He claimed that the ATC had informed him that the fighter jets were doing sorties over places such as Suzhou (Guangfu), Wuxi and other nearby military airbases. So therefore we could not take-off, and even if we did then we would waste fuel by stacking over the Shanghai area.

Any baggage issues:

No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece. Juneyao Airlines allows upto one bag weighing 30kg in First Class.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

The check-in staff were polite, smiled and very professional. There was no problem what so ever. I had arrived around two hours before departure. I had arrived at the airport at least an hour beforehand, and so there was no problem what so ever. It was nice to be early so then I could manage some aircraft shots.

The morning rush hour was an indication of Shenzhen’s airport’s rapid growth in recent years. There were aircraft of all sizes ranging from a minute A318 up to the Boeing 747-400. Many international airlines have also started flying from Shenzhen airport in recent years, such Korean Airlines, Tiger Airways, Uni Air, SilkAir, UPS, FedEx, SF Express, Air Asia, and Asiana Airlines.

Shenzhen airport’s new runway (16/34) which is located at least a mile away from the main terminal buildings over reclamation land started operations in July 2011. Once the new terminal 3 building is complete and open in late 2012 or early 2013, then it will make sense to use both runways (15/33, and 16/34). The new runway is able to accommodate all types of aircraft, including the Airbus A380 and the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Juneyao Airline Lounge:

The airline lounge used by Juneyao Airlines is not owned by the airline itself. Passengers flying with other airlines (except Air China, China Eastern and China Southern Airlines), also have access to this lounge. There is plenty of choice for food and drinks available. However, the interesting thing is that the toilets in the normal terminal building are far more cleaner and well suited than the old fashioned toilet they provided in the First Class lounge (the door did not close, the flash did not work, and basically it’s perhaps the next best thing after your average bog in the fields). Not as glamorous and flamboyant as other airline lounges. If I was you, I would rather go and use the airplane toilet (yes, it’s that bad).

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Just prior to departure, the cabin crew offered a wet towel, and a choice of drinks consisting of orange juice, apple juice, and water.

After take-off, a variety of drinks (standard- tea, coffee, orange juice, apple juice, lemonade, or coca cola) were offered. As with most of the airlines in China, the drinks (coca cola, orange etc.) were all branded with the Juneyao Airlines logo. A packet of salted almonds was also provided.

Comments regarding the first meal:

Just prior to lunch being served, a wet hand towel was offered. Some of the passengers had already eaten their meal while on the ground, because they could not wait to eat as we were delayed. So I was one of the few passengers who wanted to experience the true flying in-flight meal service WHILE flying!

On Juneyao Airlines, First Class passengers are offered a choice of time of when they would like to eat their meal. I ate my meal around about 30 minutes after departure.

The meal tray consisted of the following:

* Cold salad plate with fresh king prawns, creaser salad, chicken wings, and a wedge of lemon slice.
* Warm bread from the basket
* A plate of fresh fruit consisting of dragon fruit, melon, and watermelon
* A choice of one of: chicken & rice, fish & rice, or pork & rice. I opted for the chicken & rice.

First impressions were that the food is of good quality. Airline food in China is getting better by the day. The quantity was also just about right- not too much, and not too little either.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks was offered after the meal.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

There was no IFE system. On the A320, the overhead screens come down when the safety announcement is made, and then they are hidden away for the rest of the flight.

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The staff were very professional, always had a smile on their faces and were quick to respond to any kind of request from the passengers. The Captain was kind enough to allow me into the flight deck before the flight, so I took the opportunity to take some good shots of the controls of this A320.

Improvements that could be made:

Perhaps have mood lighting when the aircraft is flying in between different time zones (morning, afternoon and evening) - hey, I could honestly find nothing else wrong with this flight!

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The Airbus A320-300 belonging to Juneyao Airlines is clean, and had a fresh smell upon entering the cabin. The cabin consists of the trademark purple, burgundy and maroon colors on all the seats, and cushions. The dragon logo of the Juneyao Airlines brand is also proudly displayed on the cushions.

There are eight seats in the First Class cabin, with a 2-2 configuration. Each First Class seat is 48.0-inch seat pitch and 21.0 inch width. There are 144 Economy Class seats in a 3-3 configuration. Each Economy Class seats provides a 31.0-inch pitch, and has a width of 19.0 inch. As per the words of the Captain, Juneyao Airlines provides one of the most comfortable first class seats on the Airbus A320 aircraft. 

Passengers in First Class are provided with cushy slippers, and earplugs.

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 8

Route: Shanghai Pudong International Airport to Hong Kong Airport (Chep Lap Kok)

Departure date and time of flight: 08:30am on the 19th July 2011

Flight Number: HO1293

Flight duration: 2 hours 30 minutes

Class: ECONOMY CLASS

Aircraft type: AIRBUS A320-200

Punctuality of the flight:

Pudong Airport is relatively quiet in the mornings, and so the flight departed right on time without any delays. Even the smog that lurks around the airport in the morning (because its so close to the sea) could not delay the plane!

Any baggage issues:

No issues. In Economy Class each passenger can carry up to 1 piece weighing a total of 23KG.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

The check-in staff at Shanghai Pudong Airport were polite, and very professional. There was no problem what so ever. I took the metro line 2 from Zhongshan Park in downtown Shanghai, and it took around an hour to get to the airport. We arrived at terminal 1 which meant having to walk for around 25 minutes to the check-in counter at Terminal 2. Shanghai Pudong Airport easily dwarfs most international airports in Europe such as Rome, Paris, Brussels, and even London Gatwick.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Economy class passengers were offered a choice orange juice or still mineral water. 

Comments regarding the first meal:

Passengers in business class are offered a detailed dinner menu (the same menu is provided for flights leaving around lunch time as well).

Starters:

A bumper box was presented to all the passengers. The contents of the box were as follows:

1.     A warm bun containing just a piece of butter
2.     A preserved packet containing pickle
3.     Dried berries

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks was offered after the meal. This included coffee and tea (green tea and black tea). No alcohol was offered on this morning flight.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None.

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

On the Airbus A320-200 Juneyao Airlines has a 2-2 configuration in Business Class (21 inch width and a 38 inch recline), and a 3-3 configuration in the Economy Class cabin (seat width is 19 inch and a 31 inch pitch).

Comments of professionalism of the cabin crew:

The staff were very proud of their brand image and represented their airline at the highest level possible. When under a situation of high pressure, the staff seemed to act with professionalism and integrity.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

Juneyao Airlines is China’s first private airline, and operates on routes primarily from its base in Shanghai Hongqiao Airport while operating a fleet of 20 aircraft (2 Airbus A319, and 18 Airbus A320). Its colour scheme is based on a gold embroidery on purple and burgundy red background. Soft duck feather pillows and slippers are provided in business class.  

Lovely purple and golden yellow colours adorn the seats and the interior of the cabins.

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 9

Route: Shenzhen to Shanghai Hongqiao

Departure date and time of flight: 07:50am on the 19th December 2009

Flight Number: HO1152

Flight duration: 2hours

Class: Economy Class

Aircraft type: Airbus A320

Punctuality of the flight:

The flight departed on time and landed on time.

Any baggage issues:

No issues- the bags arrived on time and in one piece.

Comments on the check-in staff and any issues:

No-check in issues. Everything went perfectly smoothly at Shenzhen- the process from checking in to going to the gate took only around 15 minutes.

Comments regarding the pre-meal service:

Just drinks- included “Mengyiu” milk (Chinese branded milk) and Chinese branded cola and orange juice.

Comments regarding the first meal:

All we got was a stylish carton containing a “Mengyiu” milk carton and a “bun” filled with a slice of ham and some butter. The flight was too short and really you could not ask for more in China. In Europe it is a different story, but for a 2 hour flight, the contents provides were of a decent quality.

Comments regarding the drinks service:

A second round of drinks were offered after the meal. No alcohol, but plenty of milk, coffee and tea.

Comments regarding the in-flight snacks (if any):

None

Comments regarding the second meal (if any):

None

Comments on the in-flight system (if any):

None

Comments on the professionalism of the cabin crew:


The cabin crew were very professional and polite. Just a normal flight, without any incidents.

Improvements that could be made:

None...everything seemed to be OK. Juneyao Airlines has a good service because it is a private carrier, unlike most of the other Chinese carriers.

Comments on the interior of the aircraft (including seat comfort): 

The A320 had a standard 3-3. Unlike most other Chinese carriers, Juneyao has their own branded interior which consists of Purple coloured seats, and matching cushions. The toilets were clean and well maintained. There was no bad smell in the cabin (sometimes plane cabins do smell).

Overall rating 1-10 (worst-best): 9