China Airlines Plans $2 Billion Fleet Expansion with Airbus Jets
China Airlines has announced plans to expand its fleet with the addition of up to 13 aircraft, including five Airbus A350-900s and eight A321neo jets, in a move that underscores its long-term growth strategy. The plans were disclosed in a filing to the Taipei Stock Exchange on June 25, 2025, with the airline’s board of directors approving the potential acquisition at an estimated value of nearly $2 billion.
While no final purchase agreement has been signed yet, the airline confirmed that at least five of the A321neo aircraft would be supplied through a lease arrangement with U.S.-based Aircraft Lease Corporation (ALC). The expansion aims to support China Airlines’ regional and long-haul network ambitions as it continues modernizing its fleet.
This proposed order comes in addition to major aircraft deals signed in late 2024. In December of that year, China Airlines placed simultaneous orders for 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9 aircraft for passenger operations, along with four Boeing 777-8F freighters. The Boeing deal was formally finalized in May 2025.
As part of its fleet management strategy, China Airlines also plans to extend the service life of some existing aircraft to counteract delays in deliveries of Boeing 787 jets ordered at the 2023 Paris Air Show. That earlier order included 18 Boeing 787-9 and six 787-10 aircraft, many of which have experienced delivery slippages due to ongoing supply chain constraints.
The latest fleet expansion effort by China Airlines reflects a broader trend among Taiwan’s leading carriers, who are aggressively investing in next-generation aircraft to support network growth and operational efficiency. EVA Air, a primary competitor, finalized a purchase in March 2025 for six Airbus A350-1000s and three A321neo jets. Starlux Airlines, another emerging Taiwanese player, ordered 10 A350-1000s during the 2025 Paris Air Show, strengthening its long-haul capabilities out of Taipei.
China Airlines’ continued investment in both widebody and narrowbody aircraft is aimed at striking a balance between intercontinental growth and regional connectivity. The A350-900s and A321neos are expected to complement existing fleet operations and offer improved fuel efficiency, passenger comfort, and environmental performance.
China Airlines fleet as of June 2025:
- Airbus A350‑900 15, on order 5
- Airbus A350‑1000 on order 10
- Airbus A330‑300 16
- Airbus A321neo 17, on order 19
- Boeing 737‑800 10
- Boeing 777‑300ER 10
- Boeing 777‑9 on order 10
- Boeing 787-9 on order 18
- Boeing 787-10 on order 6
Cargo Fleet: - Boeing 747‑400F 8
- Boeing 777-200ERF 10
- Boeing 777‑8F on order 4
With travel demand across Asia rebounding and increased competition on both long-haul and intra-Asia routes, China Airlines is positioning itself to remain competitive through fleet flexibility and capacity planning. The combination of owned and leased aircraft will provide operational agility as the airline adjusts to evolving market conditions.
Should this latest acquisition move forward as expected, China Airlines will further solidify its status as a key player in East Asia’s evolving aviation landscape, backed by a modern, fuel-efficient fleet ready to meet future passenger and cargo demand.
Related News : https://airguide.info/?s=China+Airlines, https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/aircraft-finance/