China Airlines, a Taiwanese carrier, has used its option to buy eight Boeing 787 Dreamliners.
The Sky Team-affiliated airline anticipates receiving the new aircraft starting in 2026.
China Airlines ordered 16 787-9 passenger planes with lone GEnx engines from Boeing in August 2022.
The first 16 Dreamliners are anticipated to start operating in 2025 and will be utilized for both local and international operations.
In 2028, all 28 of the wide-body passenger aircraft will have been delivered.
“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, “ China Airlines chairman Hsieh Su-Chien has previously said.
He added: “Our continuous investment in fleet modernization is the cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. The 787’s best-in-cl ss efficiency and low operating costs will allow us to expand our network for years to come.”
The order may result in some 787-9 aircraft being upgraded to 787-10s, which can accommodate more passengers, depending on a demand assessment.
The airline already runs a fleet of Airbus A350-900, Boeing 777-300ER, and Airbus A330-300 aircraft.
In 2022, when China Airlines made the first order Boeing said it would help the airline “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,” Boeing vice president of commercial sales and marketing, Ihssane Mounir said.
