Taiwan精东影业 flag-carrier China Airlines will expand its freighter fleet by purchasing four more Boeing 777 freighters, enabling the airline to capture market opportunities as air cargo continues to boom.
Valued at $1.4 billion at list price, the new Boeing 777 freighters will add to the airline精东影业 existing fleet of three Boeing 777Fs. The airline did not disclose when the new 777Fs would be delivered.
“The 777 Freighter has played a critical role in our efforts to maintain profitability during the pandemic, and these additional airplanes will be an integral part of our long-term growth strategy,” said China Airlines chairman, Hsieh Su-Chien.
The 777 freighter has a range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 kilometers) and will serve on long-haul routes. According to the airline, the 777F will allow the carrier to make fewer stops on long journeys. The aircraft also contributes to a 17% reduction in fuel use and CO2 emissions per ton compared to prior generation airplanes.
“We are thrilled that China Airlines has again selected the 777 Freighter to serve as the backbone of its world-class air cargo fleet,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. “The market-leading capabilities of the 777 Freighter provide added capacity, improved efficiency and greater value to China Airlines’ customers, enabling the carrier to meet air cargo demand and position itself for long-term growth.”
In 2021, China Airlines’ air cargo revenue was up 186% compared to 2019.
The airline currently operates a total of 18 Boeing 747Fs and three Boeing 777 freighters.
