Juneyao Airlines (Shanghai Pudong Airport to Hong Kong Airport)- AIRBUS A320

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