China Airlines, the Taiwan based carrier, has announced plans to order ten Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft, ten Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft, and four 777-8F freighters. The new fleet is expected to begin deliveries in 2029 and will be used for long-haul passenger and cargo routes to North America and Europe. China Airlines is actively optimizing its fleet size to deliver robust services for the global passenger and cargo markets.
In November 2023, China Airlines began a comprehensive assessment on the transition of passenger and cargo fleet capacities and the demands of network development. A team of leading international and aviation consultants was also retained in February 2024 to study the safety, technology, and cost-benefit of each aircraft. Multiple rounds of talks and price negotiations were conducted with the manufacturers before the new aircraft introduction plan was finalized.
In December 19 China Airlines convened a board meeting to approve the introduction of twenty flagship wide-body passenger aircraft, including ten A350-1000 equipped with the Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine, and ten 777-9 passenger aircraft equipped with the General Electric GE9X engine. The new fleet will be configured for three cabin classes, Premium Business, Premium Economy, and Economy, and will offer a more spacious, more comfortable, and quieter flying environment as well as provide additional Premium Business Class seating. The A350-1000 features advanced electro-dimmable windows for exceptional blackout performance and the 777-9 has raised ceilings, enhanced cabin air exchange system and dynamic LED mood lighting, which provide travelers with a novel experience that will also take the stress out of long trips.
For the freighter fleet, China Airlines is responding to trends in the cargo market by purchasing four new 777-8F freighters that will join the current fleet of 777F. The next-generation 777-8F freighter has the same cargo hold specifications as the 777F fleet and will offer more operational and dispatching flexibility. Increased range and payload will provide synergistic benefits to the mixed fleet and enhance the cargo capacity of China Airlines.
As an airline committed to sustainability, China Airlines hopes that the introduction of brand-new aircraft will lead to further improvements in passenger and cargo services that translate into increased overall business yield. The exceptional fuel-efficiency of the new aircraft is expected to cut fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 25% compared to the previous generation of aircraft. Flying the skies in an environmentally friendly manner will help realize the sustainable development goals of Net Zero by 2050.
