LONDON – Boeing has announced that it has finally finalised the landmark deal for up to 24 Dreamliners for China Airlines as the carrier looks towards the future of its fleet modernisation.
China Airlines and Boeing
The deal consists of a firm order for 15 787-9 Dreamliner with an option for an additional eight aircraft, a move which is allowing the carrier to focus on becoming a more fuel-efficient and greener carrier. Something which has become a lot of prevalent in the world of aviation over the last year as companies start to try to hit carbon neutral operations.
China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien said: “We are excited to introduce the 787-9 Dreamliner into our operations as we continue to upgrade our fleet with more modern, fuel-efficient airplanes. Adding the state-of-the-art 787 will help us reduce carbon emissions, while also providing our customers with unmatched levels of comfort,”
“Our continuous investment in fleet modernization is the cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. The 787’s best-in-class efficiency and low operating costs will allow us to expand our network for years to come.”
The Asia market is one of the fastest growing in the world, with even Boeing marking it out as the most expansive aviation market for travel demand over the next 20 years, with more airports and greater connectivity options now being required.
Ihssane Mounir, Boeing’s senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing commented on the announcement saying: “The 787’s superior fuel efficiency and range, combined with China Airlines’ existing fleet of 777-300ERs, will enable the carrier to grow efficiently and also expand its global route network,”
“This is a milestone order in our continuing partnership with China Airlines, and the market-leading efficiencies of the 787 will play an important role in furthering the airline’s sustainability efforts.”
China Airlines is no stranger to Boeing
The Chinese carrier currently has 22 Boeing aircraft on firm orders, the 16 Dreamliners announced today and six 777 Freighters, with the previously mentioned additional 8 options it is a complete order of almost 30 aircraft.
With the new aircraft, China airlines will be able to start to expand its route network while also meeting the high demand for air frieght operations.
The carrier currently operates 10 Boeing 777-300 ER (Extended Range) aircraft, which is one of Boeing’s most popular widebody aircraft, operated by carriers around the world, most notably of which is Emirates which has one of the largest 777-300 fleets in service.
It is believed that these new Dreamliner will allow the carrier to cut its CO2 emissions by up to 25 per cent and perfectly fits in with its plan to modernise its fleet for future operations and expansion.
It is one of the largest orders for the Dreamliner which only earlier this year was granted permission to return to production and operations following an FAA (Federal Aviation Authority) audit which left Boeings’ hands full in getting the plane back up to the required standards and regulations.
This order announced today will now Boeing will hope, to show other carriers weighing up their fleets’ future options that their aircraft are once again the product the market and carriers want and need.
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