Taiwan-based China Airlines has finally confirmed that it will acquire 16 Boeing 787-9 aircraft, plus options for another eight units, according to the U.S. manufacturer, to be delivered from 2025 as a replacement for its Airbus A330-300s. The deal is valued at up to USD 4.6 billion, considering list prices.
“We are excited to introduce the 787-9 Dreamliner to our operations as we continue to upgrade our fleet with more modern, fuel-efficient aircraft. Adding the latest-generation 787 will help us reduce carbon emissions while providing our customers with unmatched levels of comfort,” said China Airlines President Hsieh Su-Chien.
In late August, rumors first surfaced that China Airlines would opt for Boeing 787 Dreamliner to replace its 22 Airbus A330-300s, with the average age of these aircraft being 14.5 years, almost double that of the rest of its fleet which stands at 8.3 years, according to information obtained by Aviacionline through Ch-Aviation database.
China Airlines’ widebody fleet also comprises 14 Airbus A350-900s and 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, in addition to 18 Boeing 747-400Fs and 4 B777-200Fs.
As can be seen from Cirium, its A330s are used to destinations up to 2,500/3,000 km away in Southeast Asia and East Asia (Cambodia, China, South Korea, the Philippines, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, and Malaysia), representing around 30% of the total seat capacity offered by the company (and only 12% in seat kilometers offered, ASK).
“The 787’s superior fuel efficiency and range, combined with China Airlines’ existing 777-300ER fleet, will enable the airline to grow efficiently and expand its global route network,” said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing.
The manufacturer stated that the 787’s composite structures resist corrosion and are perfect for operating in hot and humid climates, such as Taiwan.
In addition, China Airlines becomes the 21st Dreamliner operator in Southeast Asia and East Asia, as it is currently operated by Air Premia, All Nippon Airways, Bamboo Airways, China Eastern, China Southern, EVA, Hainan Airlines, Japan Airlines, Juneayao, Korean Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Shanghai Airlines, Shandong Airlines, Suparna Airlines, Thai, Vietnam Airlines, Xiamen Airlines and ZIPAIR.
