China Airlines Finalizes Agreement for Six Boeing 777 Freighters

China Airlines has finalized an agreement with Boeing to order six 777 Freighters.

Valued at US$2.1 billion according to list prices, three of the six 777 Freighter orders were confirmed in July and the airline has since confirmed another three.

The carrier, which currently operates one of the world's largest 747 Freighter fleets, plans to transition to twin-engine freighters as it launches operations from Taipei to North America, a key market.

The versatile 777 Freighter can fly long-range trans-Pacific missions in excess of 6,000 nautical miles with 20 percent more payload than other large freighters like the 747-400F.

The airplane, which is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 102 tons, will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes.

The 777F can accommodate 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck.

"Air cargo is an important part of our overall business and the introduction of these new 777 Freighters will play an integral role in our long-term growth strategy," said China Airlines Chairman, Hsieh Su-Chien. "As we transition our freighter fleet to the 777Fs, this will enable us to deliver world-class services to our customers more efficiently and reliably."

China Airlines, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, currently operates 51 Boeing airplanes, including 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range), 19 Next-Generation 737s, four 747-400s and 18 747 Freighters.

"As China Airlines celebrates more than half a century of success, Boeing is honored to continue playing an integral role in its growth and expansion. With this order China Airlines will join an elite group of global air cargo operators operating new 777 Freighters," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. "With the global air freight market forecasted to double over the next 20 years, the 777 Freighter's market-leading capabilities and economics will help China Airlines extend their network and grow their future cargo business."

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