China Airlines Orders 14 Boeing 777X Aircraft to Enhance Long-Haul Operations
Boeing and China Airlines (CAL) have announced that China Airlines is the latest customer to join the 777X family, with an order for 10 777-9 passenger jets and four 777-8 Freighter aircraft. As the first carrier in Taiwan to order the fuel-efficient 777X, China Airlines will leverage the added capacity and extended range of the 777X on its long-haul routes to North America and Europe. This purchase follows the carrier’s December 2024 announcement that it would acquire ten Airbus A350-1000s alongside the planned 777X fleet.
In addition to the firm order, which was placed in March 2025 and initially posted as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website, the airline holds options to purchase five additional 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters. This order positions China Airlines among an exclusive group of global carriers that have ordered both the passenger and freighter variants of the 777X family.
China Airlines has operated Boeing widebody aircraft since the 1990s and currently flies a mix of 80 jets, including 777-300ERs and 777-200LRFs, 15 Airbus A330-300s and 15 A350-900s, according to airguide.info data. The new 777-9s will be powered by General Electric GE9X engines and configured for three cabin classes—Premium Business, Premium Economy and Economy—to serve long-haul routes. The 777-8 freighters, also GE9X-equipped, will enable China Airlines to maintain its leadership in air cargo by offering greater range and fuel efficiency, especially on transpacific and intra-Asia lanes.
“As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 Freighter, we are excited to introduce Boeing’s newest 777X family into our world-class fleet,” said Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines. “The advanced technology and features of the 777-9 will provide our customers with a best-in-class flying experience, while the 777-8 Freighter’s range and fuel efficiency will help us maintain a leadership position in air cargo. This is a significant investment in our future, and we are counting on the new 777X family to help achieve our long-term sustainability goals.”
The 777-9, the world’s largest twin-engine jet, will deliver 20% lower fuel consumption and emissions compared to the planes it replaces, along with the lowest operating cost per seat in its class. With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), the 777-9 will allow China Airlines to maximize capacity, seating 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration while offering a more spacious and comfortable cabin.
“The 777X will enable us to deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for our customers,” added Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines.
China Airlines plans to renew its freighter fleet with the 777-8 Freighter, which offers 747-sized payload capabilities, 30% better fuel efficiency and emissions reductions, and a 60% smaller noise footprint compared to its predecessor.
“As we welcome China Airlines to the 777X customer family, we are excited to build on our nearly 60-year partnership that dates back to the 707 and 727,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “We value China Airlines’ continued confidence in Boeing, and we look forward to delivering these new 777Xs featuring the beautiful plum blossom livery in the coming years.”
With more than 520 777X aircraft ordered globally, this deal sustains thousands of jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Washington site and throughout the supply chain.
“Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for future growth,” said Dan Schull, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales, Northeast Asia. “In addition to these new 777X jets, China Airlines has 787 Dreamliners on order, which will further strengthen its world-class fleet for years to come.”
China Airlines currently operates a mix of Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft in both passenger and cargo configurations. Here’s a breakdown:
- Boeing 747 Fleet: The airline has eight Boeing 747-400F freighters, primarily used for cargo operations.
- Boeing 777 Fleet:
Passenger: China Airlines operates 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, configured in a three-class layout.
Cargo: The airline has nine Boeing 777-200LRF freighters, which provide fuel-efficient long-haul cargo transport.
The new 777-9s will feature advanced technology, improved fuel efficiency, and a spacious cabin design, while the 777-8 freighters will offer increased cargo capacity and sustainability benefits.
Related News: https://airguide.info/?s=boeing, https://airguide.info/?s=China+Airlines
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com,