Taiwan based China Airlines has announced plans to order four 777-8F freighters with deliveries expected from 2029.
The new generation freighters will be used for long-haul cargo routes to North America and Europe. The 777-8Fs will join the current fleet of 777F.
China Airlines said: “The next-generation 777-8F freighter has the same cargo hold specifications as the 777F fleet and will offer more operational and dispatching flexibility. Increased range and payload will provide synergistic benefits to the mixed fleet and enhance the cargo capacity of China Airlines.”
The order follows speculation last month that China Airlines was considering placing an order for new freighters, however, the airline did not respond to Air Cargo News‘ request for comment.
According to China Airlines’ website, as of October 31, the airline had 17 freighters in its fleet, including nine Boeing 777Fs and eight Boeing 747-400Fs.
ACN understands the airline hasn’t previously indicated a preference for either Boeing or Airbus freighter models, although it’s choice of new generation freighter means it will retain a Boeing-only fleet.
But the estimated first delivery of 2029, means China Airlines will be waiting up to five years to start operating the 777-8F.
The 777-8F was originally anticipated to come to market in 2027, but last month Boeing said the aircraft’s market launch would be delayed until 2028.
This delay will mean that Qatar Airways, the launch customer for the 777-8F, will have to wait over six years for the first aircraft, as its firm order for 34 jets and options for 16 more was announced in January 2022.
Aside from Qatar’s order, there are several other airlines that have invested in the 777-8F. Cargolux has ordered 10, Lufthansa has ordered seven, All Nippon Airways has ordered two and Silk Way West has also ordered two.
The 777-8F offers a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and a range of 8,167 km.
China Airlines also plans to order ten Airbus A350-1000 passenger aircraft and ten Boeing 777-9 passenger aircraft for long-haul passenger and cargo routes to North America and Europe. First deliveries are also due for delivery from 2029.
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