Taiwanese carrier values first two aircraft sales to Cargolux at $260m as it modernises freighter operations with new Boeing and Airbus types
China Airlines is selling four of its Boeing 747-400 freighters, with two of the aircraft being picked up by Cargolux.
In a stock exchange announcement, the carrier announced it had approved a plan to acquire up to 18 Airbus and Boeing passenger and freighter aircraft and dispose of the four 747-400Fs.
The announcement discloses that the airline will purchase five Airbus A350-1000s and five Boeing 777-9s, plus four 777-8Fs and two 777Fs.
Air Cargo News has enquired whether the four 777-8Fs are the ones announced earlier this year, or in addition to those aircraft.
It is considering introducing a further two 777Fs, in order to “replace ageing aircraft and improve operational efficiency”.
At present, China Airlines’ freighter fleet consists of eight 747-400Fs and 10 777Fs, according to its website.
As part of the modernisation, it will divest four 747-400Fs, disclosing that the first pair will be sold to Luxembourg freight carrier Cargolux.
Air Cargo News has contacted Cargolux to confirm its plans for the aircraft.
The Taiwanese airline says the other two 747-400Fs are “still under commercial negotiation” and transaction terms have yet to be finalised.
China Airlines values the proceeds from the first two aircraft at around $260m.
The airline revealed last year that it was selling a batch of five 747-400Fs to Air Atlanta Icelandic and Asiana Airlines.
