It seems Boeing is adding to its 777X customer list, with China Airlines of Tawain becoming the latest carrier to sign its first order for the type.
China Airlines has ordered 10 777-9 passenger and four 777-8 Freighter airplanes. With the order, they will be the first carrier in Taiwan to order the type. The airline will use the widebody jet’s added capacity and range on long-haul routes to North America and Europe.
In addition to the firm order, which booked in March 2025 and was posted as unidentified on Boeing’s orders and deliveries website, the airline has options to purchase five 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters.
This takes the prospective numbers to 15 777-9 and 8 777-8F.
The Boeing 777-9 will offer seating of 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration with a rang of of 7,295 nautical miles (13,510 km), whilst the 777-8F will offer which offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint compared to previous freighters.
With this order, China Airlines joins an exclusive group of global airlines that have ordered the passenger and freighter variants of the 777X family.
In Quotes
Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines, said
“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
“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.”
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”
Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing, 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.”
“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.”
Dan Schull, Boeing vice president of Commercial Sales, Northeast Asia.
“Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth going forward,”
“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.”
Adding the 777X order book
The Boeing 777X order book has been quiet of late, so it is finally positive news to see that another airline has picked up the type. According to Boeing, customers around the world have now ordered more than 520 777X airplanes, which will help sustain jobs and the supply chain.
However, (and lets not dress this up), this aircraft is late.
Boeing signed the first order with Lufthansa in 2013, with its first test flight in 2020. The first delivery to an airline has been pushed back to 2026 – which was expected in 2020.
We all know that Boeing has had its fair share of ups and downs, as priorities shifted to resolving the 737 MAX programme, as well as issues with the test aircraft, so there will be some happiness that another company has signed on for the type.
All they now need to do is complete the certification and first deliveries.
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