China Airlines Orders 14 New Boeing 777X

TAIPEI- China Airlines (CI) ordered 10 Boeing 777-9s and 4 777-8 Freighters for flights from Taipei (TPE), enhancing long-haul routes to North America and Europe.

The fuel-efficient 777X models support the airline’s growth and sustainability goals. It explores the airline’s plans for passenger and cargo expansion.

Photo: Clément Alloing

China Airlines Expansion Plans

On May 8, 2025, China Airlines (CI), based at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport (TPE), announced an order for 10 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets and 4 777-8 Freighters, with options for 5 additional 777-9s and 4 777-8 Freighters.

The order, finalised in March 2025, marks China Airlines (CI) as Taiwan’s first carrier to adopt the 777X family, building on its history with Boeing 777-300ERs and B777Fs. The 777-9s will serve long-haul routes to cities like Los Angeles (LAX) and London Heathrow (LHR), while the 777-8 Freighters will bolster cargo operations.

Boeing 777X

The 777-9, the world’s largest twin-engine jet, offers a 426-passenger capacity in a two-class configuration, a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), and 20% lower fuel use and emissions compared to older models. The 777-8F provides a 747-sized payload with 30% better fuel efficiency and a 60% smaller noise footprint. These features align with China Airlines’ (CI) sustainability goals and enhance its competitive edge in the passenger and cargo markets.

Photo: dnata

Enhancing Passenger Experience

The 777-9’s spacious cabin and advanced technology will elevate the travel experience for passengers departing from Taipei (TPE). With a focus on comfort and reliability, the aircraft’s design includes wider seats and improved cabin pressure. This is ideal for long-haul flights to destinations like New York (JFK) or Frankfurt (FRA).

China Airlines (CI) President Chen Han-Ming emphasised that the 777-9 will deliver “an enhanced travel experience.”

The order complements China Airlines’ (CI) existing fleet of 787 Dreamliners, also on order, ensuring a modern, fuel-efficient fleet.

Photo- MarcelX42 | Wikimedia Commons

Cargo Capabilities

The four 777-8 Freighters will replace older cargo aircraft. This will enable China Airlines (CI) to meet growing global demand for air freight from Taipei (TPE).

The freighter’s interoperability with the airline’s current Boeing 777 Freighters ensures seamless integration. At the same time, its extended range and payload capacity support efficient operations to key cargo hubs like Chicago (ORD) and Amsterdam (AMS).

This investment reflects the airline’s strategic focus on cargo. Cargo is a critical revenue stream amid fluctuating passenger demand, positioning China Airlines (CI) to capitalise on e-commerce and logistics growth in Asia and beyond.

Photo- Ken Fielding | Wikimedia Commons

Boeing Partnership

China Airlines’ (CI) order, part of over 520 global 777X orders, underscores its nearly 60-year partnership with Boeing, dating back to the 707 and 727.

Boeing’s Brad McMullen highlighted the airline’s confidence in the 777X, which will feature China Airlines’ (CI) iconic plum blossom livery. The order sustains thousands of jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Washington, facility and its supply chain.

The 777X program, despite delays in certification, is poised to transform long-haul travel with its efficiency and capacity. For China Airlines (CI), the aircraft will drive network expansion and fleet renewal. This will ensure long-term competitiveness in a dynamic aviation market.

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