China Airlines has placed a firm order for 14 Boeing 777X jets, consisting of 10 777-9 passenger jets and four 777-8 Freighters as part of its plan to strengthen its long-haul services to North America and Europe. The airline becomes the first in Taiwan to order the fuel-efficient 777X, with plans to expand its global network using the jet’s long range and large capacity.
The agreement, booked in March 2025 and recorded under an unidentified customer on Boeing’s orders and deliveries site, also includes options for five more 777-9s and four additional 777-8 Freighters. With this new deal, China Airlines joins a select number of carriers worldwide that have ordered both versions of the 777X series.
Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines, emphasized the importance of the new aircraft in supporting the airline’s long-term goals. “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,” he said. “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 777-9, the largest twin-engine jet in the world, will carry 426 passengers in a standard two-class layout. It has a maximum range of 7,295 nautical miles or 13,510 kilometers and is designed to use 20% less fuel and produce fewer emissions compared to the aircraft it replaces. Its lower operating cost per seat and spacious cabin design are expected to improve the travel experience for passengers while reducing environmental impact.
Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines, added, “The 777X will enable us to deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for our customers.”
Freighter upgrades to support cargo leadership
China Airlines will also upgrade its cargo fleet with the 777-8 Freighter, which matches the payload capacity of the Boeing 747 while offering a 30% improvement in fuel use and emissions. The freighter will also cut noise footprint by up to 60%, aligning with the airline’s efforts to boost efficiency and reduce its environmental impact.
With the 777-8 Freighter sharing similarities with the airline’s current Boeing twin-engine freighters, the transition to the new model is expected to go smoothly. China Airlines aims to modernize its operations and stay competitive in both passenger and cargo services.
Partnership with Boeing continues to grow
Brad McMullen, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, highlighted the long-standing relationship between the two companies. “As we welcome China Airlines to the 777X customer family, we are pleased to build on our nearly 60-year partnership that traces back to the 707 and 727,” he said. “We value China Airlines’ continued confidence and look forward to delivering the new 777Xs adorned with the beautiful plum blossom livery in the coming years.”
Boeing’s 777X family has now received over 520 orders from airlines around the world, helping support jobs at Boeing’s Everett, Washington facility and across its global supply chain.
Dan Schull, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales for Northeast Asia, pointed out that the new aircraft will help China Airlines expand its services. “Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth going forward,” he said. “In addition to these new 777X jets, China Airlines has 787 Dreamliners on order that will further strengthen its world-class fleet for many years to come.”
This new investment in the Boeing 777X series aligns with China Airlines’ plans to expand its fleet, boost passenger comfort, and support sustainable growth on long-haul routes.
