China Airlines Soars High: Unveiling the Future with New Airbus A350-1000 Order

Taiwan's Flag Carrier Invests in Expansion and Modernization with a Focus on Long-Haul Routes.

Taipei, March 31 - Taiwan-based China Airlines has solidified a deal with Airbus to procure 10 A350-1000 passenger jets, signaling a significant investment in its future. The carrier plans to deploy these state-of-the-art aircraft on its most lucrative, long-haul routes.

The agreement was formalized at the Hyatt Regency hotel, within China Airlines' corporate headquarters at Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport. Key figures in the deal were China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) and Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business.

China Airlines anticipates receiving the 10 A350-1000 jets in 2029, according to an official statement. The new aircraft will integrate seamlessly into its fleet, enabling the airline to enhance its service on routes to popular destinations in Europe and North America, including London and New York.

Adding to the scope of the agreement, China Airlines holds an option to purchase an additional five A350-1000s. Furthermore, the 15 A350-900s currently in its fleet are scheduled for cabin upgrades beginning in 2027.

In parallel with this announcement, Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) informed reporters that the airline is poised to grow its current fleet of 83 aircraft to between 90 and 95.

Deliveries of nine additional A321s are expected, although slightly behind schedule, and Boeing is set to deliver China Airlines' first B787 jet between late 2025 and early 2026.

Kao also expressed optimism for the company's performance in 2025, building upon a year of record revenue and net profit in 2024. The airline projects that it will surpass its 2019 passenger count, the last year before the COVID-19 pandemic's impact.

According to Kao, the Asia-Pacific aviation market continues to forecast robust double-digit growth. However, ticket prices are anticipated to remain stable, primarily due to the elevated costs associated with sustainable aviation fuel.