China Airlines Announces Order for Boeing 777X Passenger and Freighter Models

Core Insights - Boeing and China Airlines announced an order for 10 777-9 passenger and four 777-8 Freighter airplanes, marking China Airlines as the first carrier in Taiwan to order the fuel-efficient 777X [1][2] - The order includes options for an additional five 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters, placing China Airlines among a select group of global airlines that have ordered both passenger and freighter variants of the 777X family [2] Company Strategy - China Airlines aims to leverage the 777-9's capacity and range for long-haul routes to North America and Europe, enhancing its operational capabilities [1][3] - The airline's chairman emphasized the investment in the 777X family as a significant step towards achieving long-term sustainability goals [3] Aircraft Features - The 777-9 is designed to offer 20% lower fuel use and emissions compared to its predecessors, with a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km) and a capacity of 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration [3][4] - The 777-8 Freighter provides a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, along with a 60% smaller noise footprint, which will help China Airlines maintain a leadership position in air cargo [4] Market Impact - With over 520 777X airplanes ordered globally, this order supports thousands of jobs at Boeing's Everett site and across its supply chain [5] - The addition of the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter positions China Airlines for further growth and enhances its fleet alongside existing orders for 787 Dreamliners [6]