China Airlines finalises deal for ten Airbus A350-1000s

China Airlines has signed a firm order with Airbus for ten A350-1000s, finalising a commitment announced in December 2024, which the airline says will support its long-term international growth strategy.

The new A350-1000s will augment the airline’s existing fleet of 15 A350-900s, “ensuring seamless integration and efficiency,” explained Airbus. “By choosing the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the world’s most advanced long haul aircraft, China Airlines continues to elevate its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel,” added Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP sales of Commercial Aircraft.

While the A350-900 can accommodate between 300-350 passengers (with a range of 8,500nm), the A350-1000 can seat between 350-410 in a standard three-class configuration, with 40% more space for premium-category seating. Its slightly extended range of 8,900nm will also prove instrumental in expanding the carrier’s international ambitions.

The Airbus aircraft form part of a December deal worth a total of US $12 billion, which also included ten Boeing 777-9 aircraft and four 777-8 freighters. To date, Airbus has received over 1,360 orders from 60 customers for its A350 family.