TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — China Airlines signed an order with Boeing on Thursday for 14 777X aircraft.
Boeing announced that the order includes 10 777-9 passenger planes, four 777-8F freighters, and options for nine additional aircraft, per China Times. China Airlines is the first Taiwanese air carrier to order Boeing's future flagship 777X, with deliveries scheduled to start in 2030.
The signing ceremony was held at the Hyatt Regency Taoyuan International Airport, with China Airlines Chair Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) and Boeing Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing Brad McMullen. The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Transportation and Communications Lin Kuo-shian (林國顯) and China Airlines President Chen Han-ming (陳漢銘).
Kao said the 777-9 will become the airline’s mainstay on high-demand routes such as Los Angeles and Frankfurt. The new aircraft will boost capacity and feature an upgraded cabin layout, increasing the number of business class seats.
Kao said the 777-8F freighters will be compatible with the airline’s fleet of 10 777Fs. These additions will enhance flexibility in scheduling and operational efficiency and drive profitability.
According to Boeing, the 777X’s composite fuselage and GE9X engines will reduce fuel use and carbon emissions. McMullen said China Airlines has long been a strategic partner for Boeing, and the decision to adopt the 777X aircraft will reinforce its competitiveness across the Asia-Pacific region and global markets.
China Airlines has recently accelerated fleet modernization and operational upgrades, with the 777-9 enhancing long-haul travel through a higher cabin ceiling, better air quality, and dynamic LED lighting. The 777-8F’s standardized cargo layout and greater payload capacity will boost the airline’s freight flexibility and competitiveness.
Industry analysts believe that as the global aviation sector moves toward recovery, China Airlines’ move signals confidence in the medium- to long-term growth of international passenger and cargo markets. It is also expected to inject new momentum into the airline’s operational scale and profitability.
