JUNEYAO AIRLINES (Shanghai Hongqiao to Xi'an Xianyang Airport), A320-200, FIRST CLASS

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