Boeing gets a boost as China Airlines confirms order for up to 23 777Xs
May 8, 2025
China Airlines has placed an order for up to 23 of Boeing’s next generation 777X aircraft, becoming the first Taiwanese carrier to do so.
The deal includes a firm order of 10 777-9 passenger jets and four 777-8 freighters, with options for five additional 777-9s and four more 777-9 freighters. China Airways is already a long-time operator of Boeing’s 777-300ER and 777 Freighter aircraft.
Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines expressed his enthusiasm for the addition of the 777X family into the airline’s fleet. “The advanced technology and features of the 777-9 will provide our customers with the best-in-class flying experience, while the 777-8 Freighter’s range and fuel efficiency will enable us to maintain a leadership position in air cargo. This is a significant investment toward our future, and we will rely on the new 777X family to help realise our long-term sustainability goals.”
Boeing 777X family
With a range of 7,295 nautical miles, the 777-9 will enable China Airlines to connect destinations across North America and Europe, carrying up to 426 passengers in a two-class cabin configuration. Meanwhile, the 777-8 Freighter offers payload capacity comparable to the iconic 747 but with 30% improved fuel efficiency and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint.
“The 777X will enable us to deliver an enhanced travel experience and greater reliability for our customers,” added Chen Han-Ming, president of China Airlines.
Boeing executives welcomed the deal, which was officially booked in March but until now has appeared on Boeing’s orders and deliveries as an “unidentified” customer. The OEM booked orders for 192 aircraft in March, including 20 firm 777X orders.
Building on long-standing partnership
“We are pleased to build on our nearly 60-year partnership that traces back to the 707 and 727,” said Brad McMullen, Boeing senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing. It also builds on the eight 787 Dreamliners that China Airlines currently has on order having announced the deal at the Paris Airshow in 2023. “We value China Airlines’ continued confidence and look forward to delivering the new 777Xs adorned with beautiful plum blossom livery in the coming years,” added McMullen.
The order adds to Boeing’s growing 777X backlog, which now exceeds 520 aircraft. Production of the 777X is based at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington, supporting thousands of jobs across its global supply chain.
