China Airlines made a groundbreaking announcement on December 19, 2024, revealing a significant aircraft procurement plan that will see the Taiwanese carrier expanding its fleet. In a move to elevate its long-haul capabilities, China Airlines has placed orders for a total of 20 new aircraft – 10 A350-1000 jets from Airbus and 10 B777-9 planes from Boeing. The carrier is further fortifying its operations by acquiring four B777-8F freighter aircraft.

Highlighting a strategic approach, China Airlines opted for a balanced engine selection, entrusting Rolls-Royce to power the A350-1000s and GE to equip the B777-9s. The overall deal is valued at an estimated US$11.9 billion, reflecting the airline's commitment to enhancing its services and reach in the aviation industry.

As of December 2024, China Airlines boasts a fleet of 14 Airbus A350 aircraft, exclusively of the –900 variant. Additionally, the airline currently operates 10 B777-300ER passenger planes and nine B777-200F cargo aircraft from previous iterations of the Boeing 777 family.

China Airlines finds itself in a competitive landscape within the long-haul international aviation sector, with fellow Taipei-based carriers Eva Air and Starlux Airlines vying for market share. Eva Air, having placed an order for 16 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft in January 2024, presents formidable competition. Meanwhile, Starlux Airlines, a premium carrier, is operating A350-900 jets, adding to the dynamic environment of Taipei's aviation scene.

This strategic move by China Airlines signals a bright future for the carrier as it aims to enhance its global presence and continue delivering exceptional services to passengers around the world. Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting development in the aviation industry, brought to you by Pilotcenter.net News.