China Airlines Orders Four Boeing 777F Freighters – AirlineGeeks.com

A plane from China Airlines. China Airlines

By Charlotte Seet

Last year was the best ever for the China Airlines Cargo business, as it was able to continually expand its freight network that eventually led to the business soaring past new heights.

China Airlines kept the continuity of supply for economic growth goods and everyday necessities because it switched to a cargo-focused business model that enabled its fleet of 21 freighters to be fully utilized.

Cargo Focused, Cargo Ready

Currently, China Airlines is the fifth largest air cargo carrier in the world and has seen the positive effects of air cargo, but it would require much more than its current fleet of 18 Boeing 747F.

China Airlines wants to capture new market opportunities as air cargo demand rapidly grows around the globe and has decided to purchase four new Boeing 777F freighters. The fleet acquisition program will boost operating performance by balancing network development and market movements against the aircraft replacement schedule.

China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su said that the additional airplanes will be an important part of the long-term growth strategy. As the global supply chain continues to evolve, our fleet modernization program will allow us to deliver added value to our customers.

China Airlines began taking delivery of six 777F freighters in December 2020. Three have been delivered so far and two more will be delivered in the next two years, and four more will be delivered in the next four years.

Rapidly Rising

It is a smart move by the Taiwanese flag carrier to expand its freighter fleet, as the last year was a great one for its cargo business, as well as for Taiwan's exports.

The world's largest twin-engine freighter with a maximum revenue of 102 tonnes, as well as being slightly more environmental with a 17% reduction in fuel use and CO 2 emissions per tonne compared to prior generation airplanes, is currently the 777F.

The main cargo hold can be fitted with cargo pallet restraint systems that can be used for carrying high value cargo such as precision instruments and temperature controlled goods with optimal carriage services, going in line with what China Airlines have been transporting.