China Airlines Plans Strategic Move: Five 747 Freighters Up for Sale in 2024

In a strategic move, Taiwan’s China Airlines (CI, Taipei Taoyuan) has decided to sell five of its Boeing 747-400FSCD freighters in 2024, setting deliveries to new customers between April and October of that year. The exclusive mandate for the sale has been given to AMS Aircraft Services.

While the specific airframes were not disclosed, China Airlines noted that the aircraft slated for sale were manufactured between 2001 and 2003. Data from the ch-aviation fleets advanced module indicates that the airline currently operates six B747-400FSCDs from that timeframe, which also happen to be its oldest aircraft of this type. Notably, China Airlines’ 747-400FSCD fleet consists of fourteen aircraft, with thirteen operated in-house and one leased to ASL Airlines Belgium.

This move is part of China Airlines’ strategic plan for a gradual phase-out of its freighter quadjets, with the intention of replacing them with 777-200Fs. The airline presently operates seven 777-200Fs, and three more are expected to join its fleet in the near future.

As China Airlines streamlines its freighter fleet, this decision reflects its commitment to modernization and aligning with the latest advancements in the cargo aviation industry. The sale of these 747 freighters presents an opportunity for other carriers to acquire reliable and well-maintained aircraft, further reshaping the dynamics of the global air cargo market. Stay tuned for updates as China Airlines executes this significant transition in its cargo operations.