China Airlines has committed to expanding its long-haul fleet with an order for 10 Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft and four 777-8 freighters.
The firm order, finalised in March 2025 and initially listed as unidentified on Boeing’s order and delivery log, makes it the first carrier in Taiwan to select the next-generation 777X family.
The airline plans to deploy the fuel-efficient 777-9s on key long-haul routes to North America and Europe, taking advantage of the aircraft’s increased capacity and extended range.
The 777-8 freighters will bolster China Airlines’ growing cargo operations.
In addition to the firm order, the airline has secured purchase options for five more 777-9s and four additional 777-8 freighters.
With this move, China Airlines joins a select group of global carriers investing in both the passenger and freighter versions of Boeing’s advanced widebody jet family.
Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines, said: “As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 freighter, we are excited to welcome Boeing’s newest 777X family into our world-class fleet.
“The advanced technology and features of the 777-9 will provide our customers with the best-in-class flying experience, while the 777-8 freighter’s range and fuel-efficiency will enable us to maintain a leadership position in air cargo. This is a significant investment toward our future, and we will rely on the new 777X family to help realise our long-term sustainability goals.”
The world’s largest twin-engine jet, the 777-9 will offer 20% lower fuel use and emissions than the airplanes it replaces, as well as the lowest operating cost per seat of any airplane.
The 777-9 will allow China Airlines to maximise capacity with 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration while offering exceptional comfort with a more spacious cabin environment.
Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines, said: “The 777X will enable us to deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for our customers.”
Given the interoperability of the 777X with its current Boeing twin-engine freighters, China Airlines plans to renew its fleet with the new 777-8 freighter, which offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint.
Boeing’s Brad McMullen, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said: “As we welcome China Airlines to the 777X customer family, we are pleased to build on our nearly 60-year partnership that traces back to the 707 and 727. We value China Airlines’ continued confidence and look forward to delivering the new 777Xs adorned with the beautiful plum blossom livery in the coming years.”
Dan Schull, Boeing‘s vice president of commercial sales, Northeast Asia, said: “Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth going forward. In addition to these new 777X jets, China Airlines has 787 Dreamliners on order that will further strengthen its world-class fleet for many years to come.”
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