China Airlines (CAL) has placed an order to buy nine of the newest Boeing 777X-9 passenger and four B777-8 freighter aircraft.
The first carrier in Taiwan to order the fuel-efficient B777X, China Airlines will leverage the widebody jet's added capacity and range on long-haul routes to North America and Europe.
In addition to the firm order placed on the books in March, which was posted as “unidentified” on Boeing's orders and deliveries website, the airline has options to purchase a further five B777X-9s and four B777-8 freighters.
China Airlines joins an exclusive group of global airlines that have ordered the passenger and freighter variants of the B777X family.
"As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 freighter, we are excited to welcome 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 777X-9 will provide our customers with the best-in-class flying experience, while the 777-8 freighter's range and fuel-efficiency will enable us to maintain a leadership position in air cargo. This is a significant investment toward our future, and we will rely on the new 777X family to help realise our long-term sustainability goals,” Shing-Hwang said.
The world's largest twin-engine jet, the 777X-9 offers 20% lower fuel use and emissions than the aircraft it replaces, as well as the lowest operating cost per seat of any aircraft as it has a range of 7 295 nautical miles (13 510 km).
The 777X-9 will allow China Airlines to maximise capacity, with 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration while offering exceptional comfort with a more spacious cabin environment.
"The 777X will enable us to deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for our customers," said Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines.
Given the interoperability of the 777X with its current Boeing twin-engine freighters, China Airlines plans to renew its fleet with the new 777-8 freighter, which offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint.
"As we welcome China Airlines to the 777X customer family, we are pleased to build on our nearly 60-year partnership, which traces back to the 707 and 727," said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
"We value China Airlines' continued confidence and look forward to delivering the new 777Xs adorned with the beautiful plum blossom livery in the coming years."
Boeing said its customers around the world had now ordered more than 520 777X aircraft, sustaining thousands of jobs at Boeing's Everett, Washington, site and across the supply chain.
"Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth going forward," 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 that will further strengthen its world-class fleet for many years to come."
