China Airlines has announced plans to purchase 16 Boeing 787-9 aircraft to prepare for a “post-pandemic boom”. Deliveries are expected to start in 2025, with the aircraft set to replace its ageing fleet of A330-300s.

The order includes options for eight additional aircraft as well as conversion rights to Boeing’s high-capacity 787-10 model.

The Taiwan-based carrier began its wide-body passenger aircraft replacement programme in 2018, but this was postponed until September last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The airline said the new aircraft will allow for the expansion of the network for medium-to-long-haul passenger traffic and also cited the 787-9’s cargo-carrying capacity as one of the reasons for the deal with Boeing.

It added that the aircraft’s fuel efficiency will not only greatly optimise the cost structure but also contribute to the airline’s goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. According to Reuters, the deal with Boeing is worth US$4.6bn.

China Airlines currently operates 86 passenger and cargo aircraft including the A350-900, B777-300ER, A330-300, B737-800 and A321 neo.

www.china-airlines.com

www.boeing.com/commercial/787