Taiwan’s China Airlines approved a $12.2 billion aircraft purchase to modernize its long-haul fleet, marking the carrier’s largest-ever order as it seeks to expand international routes.
The airline will buy 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets, along with four 777-8F freighters. Deliveries are set to begin in 2029, with the planes primarily serving routes to North America and Europe.
The wide-body jets will feature three-class cabins including premium business seats. The A350s will be powered by Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engines, while the 777s will use GE Aerospace’s GE9X powerplants.
The Taiwanese flag carrier expects the new aircraft to reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 25% compared to previous models. For cargo operations, the 777-8F freighters will complement the airline’s existing 777F fleet while offering improved payload capacity and operational flexibility.
The order follows months of evaluation that began in November 2023, with the airline consulting aviation experts before finalizing negotiations with manufacturers in February 2024.
