LONDON – China Airlines has today placed an order for four Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft, valued at $1.4bn at list prices.

This order has been placed following the airline’s air cargo revenue rising 186% above the pre-pandemic year of 2019, which balanced out a 96% drop in passenger revenue.

China Airlines Cargo last year generated around $3.6 billion in revenue with its all Boeing fleet of 18 747-400Fs and three 777 Freighters as well.

This new order brings the carrier’s backlog to seven jets ordered and awaiting delivery.

Commenting on the news was Hsieh Su-Chien, the China Airlines Chairman:

“The 777 Freighter has played a critical role in our efforts to maintain profitability during the pandemic, and these additional airplanes will be an integral part of our long-term growth strategy”.

“We are excited to add more 777 Freighters due to their operational efficiency and reliability. Our fleet modernization program will enable us to deliver added value to our customers, especially as the global supply chain continues to evolve.”

Also commenting on the news was Ihssane Mounir, Senior VP of Commercial Sales & Marketing at Boeing:

“We are thrilled that China Airlines has again selected the 777 Freighter to serve as the backbone of its world-class air cargo fleet”.

“The market-leading capabilities of the 777 Freighter provide added capacity, improved efficiency, and greater value to China Airlines’ customers, enabling the carrier to meet air cargo demand and position itself for long-term growth.”

This is yet again some good news for Boeing in terms of orders secured and will bolster the demand for the freighter area of the market.