First, it was EVA Air, and now it’s China Airlines, as the airline just made it official: that December 2024 order for ten shiny A350-1000s? Confirmed. Buckle up because Taiwan’s flag carrier is gearing up for a seriously jet-set glow-up.
But first, let’s run through the basics:
- Full Name: China Airlines Ltd. (CAL)
- IATA Code: CI
- Founded: 1959 (when the Cold War was hot and airlines were still handing out lobster)
- HQ: Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Main Hub: Taoyuan International Airport (TPE)
- Alliance: SkyTeam – joined the cool kids’ table in 2011
- Frequent Flyer Program: Dynasty Flyer – sounds regal, but no tiaras or palace upgrades (yet)
In This Post
Current Fleet:
China Airlines is rocking 83 aircraft, a bit of a mixed bag – think of it as the aviation equivalent of a well-stocked dim sum cart:
- 15 x A321neo
- 16 x A330-300
- 15 x A350-900
- 10 x Boeing 737-8
- 8 x Boeing 747-400 (yes, still!)
- 9 x Boeing 777F (freighters flexing hard)
- 10 x Boeing 777-300ER
What’s Coming Down the Runway:
Let’s talk future toys.
Back in 2022, China Airlines went all in on the Dreamliner, ordering 24 Boeing 787s, that’s 18 787-9s and 6 787-10s. Mainly aimed at regional and Asian routes, these are set to arrive between 2026 and 2028 (assuming Boeing keeps its calendar in check).
But the real headline? Ten A350-1000s, officially confirmed with deliveries from 2029. These birds are built for serious long-haul action – think North America and Europe – and will slide effortlessly into the fleet alongside their smaller sibling, the A350-900. That means smoother operations, lower costs, and more champagne in the front.
Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang put on his corporate hat and said:
“Our investment in the A350-1000 supports our international growth strategy and reflects our commitment to improving the travel experience for our passengers.”
Translation: more comfy seats, longer routes, and a bigger slice of the premium pie.
But Wait, There’s More:
They’ve also ordered 10 Boeing 777-9s. Will they ever arrive? Your guess is as good as ours. Boeing’s delays have turned this into an aviation soap opera. Don’t hold your breath.
Final Approach:
China Airlines isn’t just upgrading – it’s transforming. With Dreamliners for regional hops and A350-1000s for globe-spanning glamour, the fleet is getting a complete facelift. Now, if they’d just modernise that Dynasty Flyer program…
