China Airlines has accelerated its cargo fleet modernisation with a significant expansion of its Boeing freighter order book, confirming the acquisition of four additional 777-8F aircraft and four 777Fs, while simultaneously divesting older 747-400F units. The move underscores the Taiwanese carrier’s strategy to enhance efficiency, capacity, and sustainability across its long-haul cargo network.
Earlier this week, the airline disclosed in a stock exchange filing that its board had approved the purchase of four 777-8Fs. Industry observers initially questioned whether the decision represented a reconfirmation of the carrier’s original commitment or a fresh expansion. China Airlines has now clarified to Air Cargo News that the order increases its total 777-8F commitment from four to eight aircraft, exercising the optional units Boeing revealed when the initial deal was announced in May.
The enlarged order provides a timely uplift for Boeing’s next-generation freighter programme, which continues to trail Airbus’ A350F in firm order totals. With China Airlines’ latest commitment included, Boeing has secured 63 orders for the 777-8F, compared with 82 for the A350F. The most recent 777-8F order before this came from Korean Air in August, when it committed to eight aircraft.
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In addition to expanding its 777-8F order, China Airlines confirmed it will also acquire four 777F aircraft. These will further strengthen the airline’s widebody cargo operations, currently supported by a fleet of 10 777Fs.
The refreshed order activity accompanies a parallel retirement plan for the airline’s ageing Boeing 747-400F fleet. China Airlines has announced it will sell four of its eight 747-400Fs. Two units have already been placed with Cargolux, while the remaining two are undergoing commercial negotiations with prospective buyers.
According to the carrier’s fleet overview, China Airlines presently operates eight 747-400Fs and 10 777Fs. The arrival of the new-generation Boeing freighters, combined with the phase-out of its remaining 747-400Fs, will mark a decisive shift toward a more fuel-efficient and environmentally aligned freighter fleet.
