Freight China Airlines takes delivery of first Boeing 777 Freighter

Aircraft manufacturer Boeing has released, that it has delivered the first Boeing 777 Freighter to operator China Airlines. With the delivery, the airline has become the 20th operator of the 777 Freighter variant.

China Airlines now seeks to increase its freight capacity and plans to enter new markets that have now become accessible with the 777 Freighter aircraft. The delivery comes at a beneficial moment, as freight demand is higher than ever due to the pandemic.

China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien confirmed: “Air cargo demand has risen in light of the global pandemic and has played a critical role in maintaining profitability for our airline despite the downturn in passenger traffic [...] The efficiency and capability of the 777 Freighter enables us to modernize our freighter fleet, while also allowing us to increase capacity and open into new markets. We look forward to delivering world-class service to our customers.”

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Boeing added: “With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, the unmatched efficiency of the 777 Freighter will significantly boost China Airlines’ air cargo capabilities and enable them to scale their world-class cargo operations [...] We are honored to strengthen our partnership with China Airlines as they continue to build one of the world’s most dynamic freighter fleets.”

For the upcoming year, China Airlines plans to increase its cargo capacity by 15 percent. The new aircraft will be used on routes between Taipei and North America. Over the course of the order announced at the Paris Air Show 2019, China Airlines will take delivery of five more 777 Freighters.

The Taiwanese airline is also using Boeing´s total life cycle support services, as well as services to provide streamline parts and flight and maintenance operations. Furthermore, the whole Boeing fleet of China Airlines is using the Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which provides access to digital navigation charts and interactive maps to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.

China Airlines was founded in December 1959 and is mainly operating from its hub at Taipei in Taiwan. A base has been installed at Kaohsiung International Airport. In normal times, the airline is operating flights to destinations around the world.

The carrier is member of the SkyTeam alliance and operates with a fleet of 85 aircraft. The fleet includes 23 Airbus A330-300s, 14 A350-900 XWBs, 19 Boeing 737-800s, 18 Boeing 747-400 Freighters, 10 Boeing 777-300s and one 777 Freighter.