China Airlines Approves Fleet Renewal Plan, Jumbo Phase Off

‍TAIWAN — China Airlines (CI) approves the purchase of up to 18 brand new passenger and cargo aircraft while retiring older Boeing 747 freighters.

Brand New Aircraft

Taiwan-based carrier is planning for five Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, five Boeing 777-9 jets, as well as four 777-8F and two 777F freighters, and is considering ordering two additional 777F aircraft, aiming to replace ageing aircraft and improve operational efficiency.”

The airline is planning to spend no more than $7.85 billion on 16 new aircraft and an additional $229 million to purchase four spare Rolls-Royce Trent XWB and GE Aerospace GE9X engines.

Four 747s Leaving the Fleet

To support fleet modernisation and operational efficiency, China Airlines will divest four Boeing 747-400F aircraft, with the first two freighters to be sold to Luxembourg-based Cargolux for approximately $260 million.

The future owner of the remaining two 747 freighters has not yet been determined, as the commercial negotiations and transaction terms are still being finalized.

Last year, CI sold five Boeing 747-400F to Air Atlanta Icelandic (CC) and Asiana Airlines (OZ).