In order to meet the growing passenger demand, accommodate China Airlines network expansion, and replace its passenger fleet currently in service, China Airlines has launched a narrowbody passenger aircraft replacement program.
After assessing all relevant aircraft features and considering the congestion of neighbouring airports in Asia, China Airlines has selected Airbus A321neo as the optimum aircraft for the regional narrowbody operations. China Airlines will first introduce 14 leased A321neo which will enter into service starting in 2021, and the negotiation for additional 11 firm and 5 option aircraft orders will be initiated simultaneously.
The introduction of the new narrowbody fleet will be another important milestone for China Airlines after the 10 777-300ER and 14 A350-900.
China Airlines has also announced that it has launched 777 Freighter (777F) project and signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing for three firm and three option aircraft orders.
China Airlines plan to operate these 777F mainly to Europe and North American market to meet the growing demand. At the same time, 777F will also replace some older 747-400F currently in service.