Name: Yu-Hern Chang Title: President Company, city: China Airlines, Taipei Number of employees: 12,452 Recent project: Next Generation program First job: Chairman, Department of Transportation and Communication Science/Institute of Telecommunications Management, National Cheng Kung University Little-known fact about you: As a devout Buddhist, the key to my happy enterprise practice is the Three B’s Approach: Be Altruistic, Be Grateful, Be Humble.
Your Business
Essential business philosophy: Flight safety is our top priority, but we also focus on building a positive work environment. People are the foundation of sustainable company growth, so our current priority is identifying, developing and retaining talent. Best way to keep a competitive edge: China Airlines is strengthening its fleet with new aircraft while expanding both regional and long-haul networks. We are also rolling out advanced mobile information services. Our Next Generation products aim to refine the brand, cabin experience and overall service flow. Yardstick of success: Since its founding, China Airlines has measured success by customer satisfaction, employee well-being and delivering value to shareholders and society. We aspire to be a dependable, world-class airline.
Yu-Hern Chang as a Traveler
What is the most important item you take when traveling? I bring Buddhist scripture to read while traveling. How do you spend your time on board? I usually read. What is your favorite restaurant in the world? I follow a vegetarian diet, so my dining choices tend to be selective. What is your favorite destination in the world? Melbourne, Australia.
About China Airlines
Tell our readers about your Boeing 777 fleet and the new cabin. Beginning in October 2014, China Airlines launched a three-year introduction of Boeing 777-300ER aircraft featuring the NexGen cabin, designed by a leading team of Asian creatives. The NexGen cabin draws on Chinese aesthetics and craftsmanship to create a tranquil, study-like atmosphere at 30,000 feet, blending contemporary Taiwanese and Asian cultural elements into a refined, classic interior. The Sky Lounge serves as both a culinary and reading space, combining Eastern and Western influences; passengers can enjoy six varieties of Taiwanese tea, locally grown coffee and desserts, alongside a curated selection of English and Chinese books. Cabin features include mood lighting, 78-inch fully lie-flat seats in Premium Business, 39-inch seat pitch with rigid seatbacks in Premium Economy to allow recline without disturbing neighboring passengers, and a slim seatback design in Economy that increases knee space and reclines to nearly 120 degrees. A regional first, the Family Couch in Economy adds leg rests and can be converted into a flat space for added comfort on long-haul flights. What can travelers expect from China Airlines? China Airlines is taking delivery of Airbus A350-900 aircraft to serve long-haul routes to Europe and North America, including destinations such as Amsterdam, Vienna, Rome and Vancouver. These aircraft will feature three cabins—Premium Business, Premium Economy and Economy—while retaining the NexGen cabin concept and Family Couch service. The A350-900 is positioned as our most advanced and environmentally efficient aircraft to date. What can North American travelers look forward to from a visit to Taiwan in 2016? Taiwan is known for exceptional cuisine and stunning landscapes. Its Zen cultural traditions offer a path to inner calm; Zen meditation is a practical way to relax body and breath amid today’s hectic pace. I recommend visiting Kaohsiung with China Airlines and experiencing the contemplative atmosphere of Fo Guang Shan Monastery to refresh the spirit.