China Airlines has formally ordered four 777-8 freighters from Boeing following its announcement in December that it planned to invest in the new generation cargo aircraft model.
The firm order was booked in March and was listed as unidentified amongst Boeing's orders and deliveries data, Boeing confirmed in a press release on 8 May.
When announcing its planned order for four 777-8Fs in December, Taiwan-based China Airlines said that the freighters would support its long-haul cargo routes to North America and Europe.
The airline added that the 777-8Fs complemented the existing Boeing 777Fs in its fleet, but the increased range and payload offered more operational flexibility.
In addition to the four confirmed 777-8Fs, the airline has the option to purchase four additional 777-8Fs.
According to China Airlines' website, it currently has 17 freighters in its fleet, including nine 777Fs and eight Boeing 747-400Fs.
The airline has also ordered 10 777-9 passenger aircraft with the option to buy five more 777-9s.
"As a long-time operator of the 777-300ER and 777 Freighter, we are excited to welcome Boeing's newest 777X family into our world-class fleet," said Kao Shing-Hwang, chairman of China Airlines.
"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 realize our long-term sustainability goals."
The 777-8F offers a maximum structural payload of 118 tonnes and a range of 8,167 km. Boeing commented that the "777-8F offers 747-sized payload capability along with a 30% improvement in fuel efficiency and emissions and up to a 60% smaller noise footprint".
"Operating the 777-9 and 777-8 Freighter will allow China Airlines to add capacity and position the airline for further growth going forward," said Dan Schull, Boeing vice president of commercial sales, Northeast Asia.
China Airlines may have a long wait for the first 777-8Fs from its order. The 777-8F was originally anticipated to come to market in 2027, but Boeing said in October 2024 that 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 the 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.
