China Airlines Eyes Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X for Fleet Expansion

Taiwan-based China Airlines is reportedly preparing to place an order for its next generation of widebody aircraft, with both the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X under consideration. According to a report published by Reuters on October 11, 2024, the new aircraft are essential for expanding the carrier’s operations between Taiwan and the US mainland, as well as for several high-density regional routes.

The potential order may include the longer A350-1000 variant of the European twinjet or the yet-to-be-certified Boeing 777X series, which has faced significant delays in its development process. Currently, China Airlines operates a fleet of 15 A350-900s and 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, the latter of which have an average age of approximately nine years and are slated for replacement by the new aircraft once they enter service.

As the airline aims to modernize its fleet for improved performance and efficiency, any new additions will complement its recent orders of 24 Boeing 787 Dreamliners, which include six 787-8s and 18 787-9s. Additionally, the airline has ordered an Airbus A321NX to refresh its regional fleet, which is predominantly made up of Boeing 737-800s with an average age of 9.1 years.

Chairman Hsieh Shih-chien stated that China Airlines is not facing pressure from the Taiwanese Government regarding its choice of aircraft manufacturer. The US Government is Taiwan’s most significant international financial supporter and a crucial supplier of defense equipment. Hsieh clarified, “When it comes to buying aircraft, it is only China Airlines ourselves who makes the assessment. I want to clarify this.”

The political landscape also plays a role in Taiwan’s aviation decisions. Following a visit to Taiwan by former US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi in 2022, China Airlines placed an order for 787s worth $4.6 billion to replace its aging A330 fleet. The upcoming US election is thought to be a factor in the decision-making process, but Hsieh emphasized it would not directly impact the outcome of their aircraft selection.

Multibillion-dollar deals involving Taiwanese companies, particularly for new commercial and military aircraft, often intertwine political and business considerations. Taiwan’s ongoing struggle for sovereignty against China means that support from Western countries is vital for maintaining its independence, and involvement from state authorities can influence significant international agreements.

The delay in the certification process for the Boeing 777X, now pushed to 2026, adds uncertainty to China Airlines’ decision-making timeline. The new aircraft will primarily strengthen the airline’s air links between Taipei and major US cities already served, including New York-JFK (JFK) and San Francisco (SFO) with the existing 777-300ERs, along with Los Angeles (LAX), Ontario (California-ONT), and Seattle (SEA) served by a mix of 777s and A350-900s.

As China Airlines evaluates its options, the decision will not only reflect its operational needs but also the broader political and economic dynamics at play in the region.

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