Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) is Boeing’s newest 777X customer with an order for 10 777-9 passenger and four 777-8 Freighter airplanes. In addition, the airline has options to purchase five 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters.
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“As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 Freighter, we are excited to welcome Boeing’s newest 777X family into our world-class fleet,” said Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines. “The advanced technology and features of the 777-9 will provide our customers with the best-in-class flying experience, while the 777-8 Freighter’s range and fuel-efficiency will enable us to maintain a leadership position in air cargo. This is a significant investment toward our future, and we will rely on the new 777X family to help realize our long-term sustainability goals.”
The world’s largest twin-engine jet, the 777-9 will offer 20% lower fuel use and emissions than the airplanes it replaces, as well as the lowest operating cost per seat of any airplane as it connects far-flung destinations with a range of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km). The 777-9 will allow China Airlines to maximize capacity with 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration while offering exceptional comfort with a more spacious cabin environment.
Given the interoperability of the 777X with its current Boeing twin-engine freighters, China Airlines plans to renew its fleet with the new 777-8 Freighter, which offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint.
Customers around the world have now ordered more than 520 777X airplanes sustaining thousands of jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Wash., site and across the supply chain.