China Airlines (CAL) has announced a significant order for 10 Boeing 777-9 passenger jets and four 777-8 Freighter airplanes, making it the first carrier in Taiwan to order the new 777X widebody jet. This order, which was booked in March 2025 as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website, also includes options to purchase an additional five 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters, bringing the total potential order to 23 aircraft.
Fleet Modernization for Long-Haul and Cargo Operations
As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 Freighter, China Airlines will leverage the 777X family’s enhanced capacity and fuel efficiency to bolster its long-haul routes to North America and Europe, and solidify its leadership in air cargo.
Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines, expressed excitement about welcoming the 777X family, highlighting the 777-9’s advanced technology and features for providing a best-in-class flying experience, and the 777-8 Freighter’s range and fuel efficiency for maintaining a leading position in air cargo. He emphasized that this is a significant investment towards the airline’s future and its long-term sustainability goals.
Advanced Capabilities of the 777X
The 777-9, the world’s largest twin-engine jet, is designed to offer 20% lower fuel use and emissions than the airplanes it replaces, along with the lowest operating cost per seat. With a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), it will allow China Airlines to maximize capacity with 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration while providing a more spacious and comfortable cabin environment.
Chen Han-Ming, President of China Airlines, added that the 777X will deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for their customers.
For its cargo operations, China Airlines plans to renew its fleet with the new 777-8 Freighter. This model offers 747-sized payload capability with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint, building on the interoperability with its existing Boeing twin-engine freighters.
Strengthening a Long-Standing Partnership
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, welcomed China Airlines to the 777X customer family, noting the nearly 60-year partnership between the two companies, dating back to the 707 and 727 models. He expressed appreciation for China Airlines’ continued confidence and looked forward to delivering the new 777Xs adorned with the “beautiful plum blossom livery.”
Globally, customers have now ordered over 520 777X airplanes, supporting thousands of jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Washington site, and across its supply chain. Dan Schull, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales, Northeast Asia, further added that operating the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth. He also mentioned China Airlines’ existing orders for 787 Dreamliners, which will further strengthen its world-class fleet.
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