China Airlines Delays Aircraft Retirements Over Delivery Issues
China Airlines is postponing the retirement of its older Boeing 737-800s and Airbus A330-300s due to delays in receiving new aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Chairman George Kao confirmed to Reuters that Airbus is behind schedule on A321-200NX deliveries, while Boeing faces potential penalties for late 787-9 handovers.
The Taiwanese flag carrier has 19 A321-200NXs on order, including eight recently added under lease agreements. It also expects 18 Boeing 787-9s, which will replace the A330-300s, as part of a broader fleet renewal plan that includes Airbus A350-900s, A350-1000s, and Boeing 777X aircraft. China Airlines currently operates 17 A321NX aircraft, which are gradually replacing the aging 737-800 fleet.
“We are at present being greatly impacted,” Kao said. “Some aircraft that were scheduled to be phased out or returned at the end of their lease will now remain in service with lease extensions.”
Kao noted that Boeing has indicated the first 787-9 deliveries may begin later this year. The airline has also ordered six Boeing 787-10s but currently operates no 787s. While the purchase agreement includes compensation clauses for delivery delays, Kao acknowledged that certain circumstances might exempt Boeing from liability.
The delays have disrupted China Airlines’ fleet modernization timeline, forcing the carrier to keep older aircraft in service longer than planned. As global supply chain challenges and production setbacks continue, more airlines are facing similar operational adjustments to maintain capacity.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com