Boeing says China Airlines (CAL) is the newest 777X customer with an order for 10 777-9 passenger and four 777-8 Freighter airplanes. This is the first carrier in Taiwan to order the 777X, and China Airlines will leverage the widebody jet's added capacity and range on long-haul routes to North America and Europe.
In addition to the firm order, the airline has options to purchase five 777-9s and four 777-8 Freighters. With this order, China Airlines joins an exclusive group of global airlines that have ordered the passenger and freighter variants of the 777X family.
The 777-9 is the world's largest twin-engine jet; it offers 20% lower fuel use and emissions than the airplanes it replaces, as well as the lowest operating cost per seat of any airplane.
The 777-9 will allow China Airlines to maximize capacity with 426 passengers in a typical two-class configuration.
China Airlines plans to renew its fleet with the new 777-8 Freighter, which offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions, and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint.