First, it was EVA Air, and now it’s China Airlines. In March, I reported that China Airlines was ordering more Boeing 777-9s. There has now been an update on this; see below. 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:
UPDATE – May 2025: Not content with just one fleet refresh, China Airlines has also gone shopping at Boeing. The airline has placed an order for 14 Boeing 777x aircraft, 10 of the passenger-favourite 777-9s, 4 777-8 freighters, and options for 9 more. Deliveries are set to begin in 2029, marking a twin-pronged long-haul strategy alongside its A350-1000s.
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…
1 comment
Big moves from China Airlines! The A350-1000 and 777X additions are a clear signal they’re doubling down on premium long-haul travel. Excited to see how this fleet revamp plays out in terms of routes and service upgrades. Now let’s hope the Dynasty Flyer program gets the attention it deserves too!