China Airlines has just announced plans to place an aircraft order that’s split between Airbus and Boeing, for new flagship, long haul aircraft.
China Airlines orders Airbus A350s & Boeing 777s
China Airlines intends to acquire 20 new wide body passenger aircraft, split between Airbus and Boeing. The Taiwan-based SkyTeam carrier is ordering 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9s. Deliveries of both jets are expected to begin in 2029, so we’ll have to be patient for these aircraft to be delivered (and that assumes there are no additional delays).
China Airlines intends to use these new jets to operate some of its longest and most premium routes to both North America and Europe. The planes will be in a three-cabin layout, with business class, premium economy, and economy.
The A350-1000 is the largest and most fuel efficient version of the A350, while the 777-9 is Boeing’s new flagship long haul aircraft, which has been delayed by six years (and counting).
This isn’t China Airlines’ only wide body order in recent times, as in June 2023, the airline ordered 24 Boeing 787s. That order is comprised of 18 787-9s and six 787-10s, which are expected to be delivered between 2026 and 2028. However, those planes are replacing A330-300s, which primarily operate short and medium haul flights. So China Airlines won’t even use the full range of those jets.
How China Airlines’ fleet is evolving
China Airlines has undergone an impressive fleet modernization project in recent years:
- The airline has replaced its Airbus A340-300s and Boeing 747-400s with Airbus A350-900s and Boeing 777-300ERs
- The airline is currently replacing its Boeing 737-800s with Airbus A321neos
- Soon the airline will replace its Airbus A330-300s with Boeing 787-9s and 787-10s
So, what should we make of this latest order? The only planes that China Airlines can still potentially replace are its 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, which are currently an average of just under 10 years old. Five years down the road the planes will be around 15 years old, so my guess is that the Airbus A350-1000s and Boeing 777-9s will be replacing those aircraft.
Still, there’s quite a bit of growth here, as this isn’t just about replacing old aircraft. China Airlines has only 10 777-300ERs, while the airline is taking delivery of 20 new high capacity, long range jets.
Perhaps the one thing that’s surprising is just how varied China Airlines’ wide body fleet will be. Eventually the carrier’s narrow body fleet will consist exclusively of 25 A321neos, which is straightforward enough. However, the wide body fleet will be comprised of 15 Airbus A350-900s, 10 Airbus A350-1000s, 18 Boeing 787-9s, six Boeing 787-10s, and 10 Boeing 777-9s.
Admittedly we’re only talking about three aircraft types (the A350, 777, and 787), but still, you can’t help but wonder what the benefit is of having both the A350-1000 and 777-9, for example. I have to imagine it comes down to pricing, availability, and hedging bets.
Aviation in Taiwan sure is competitive, since you have three full service, global airlines, all of which are growing. China Airlines also plans to update its long haul product, as the airline will be introducing a new A350 business class.
Bottom line
China Airlines is refreshing its long haul fleet, as the airline is ordering 10 Airbus A350-1000s and 10 Boeing 777-9s. These will be delivered starting in 2029, and will be used to operate flights to the United States and Europe. In addition to replacing China Airlines’ 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, these will also be used to enable growth.
What do you make of China Airlines’ aircraft order?
Membership is free and takes no more information than commenting as a guest. Earn status points for good contributions, and see fewer ads as your status grows.