China Airlines orders four Boeing 777F freighters

With its team of approximately 800 cargo employees around the world, China Airlines has been able to continuously expand its cargo network, which ultimately led China Airlines Cargo’s business to new heights, making last year the best year in the operation’s history in 62 years. historic – as air cargo revenue grew 186% from the pre-pandemic year of 2019, nearly offsetting a 96% decline in passenger revenue.

All of this was made possible because the airline moved to a cargo-centric business model that allowed its fleet of 21 freighters to be fully utilized, China Airlines maintained continuity of supply for goods from economic growth and daily necessities ranging from auto parts, semiconductor chips to real vehicles and high-precision wafer machines, amid the usual epidemic supplies such as masks and personal protective equipment.

Focused on Freight, Ready for Freight

Currently, China Airlines is the fifth largest air cargo carrier in the world and having undoubtedly seen the positive effects of air cargo, the airline has decided to continue to focus more on its cargo operations – but that would require a lot more. than its current fleet. 18 Boeing 747Fs and three 777F freighters.

That’s why China Airlines has decided to purchase four new Boeing 777F freighters to help seize new market opportunities as demand for air cargo increases rapidly around the world. This ongoing fleet acquisition program will improve operational performance by balancing network development and market movements with the aircraft replacement schedule.

“The 777 Freighter has played a vital role in our efforts to maintain profitability during the pandemic, and these additional aircraft will be an integral part of our long-term growth strategy,” said China Airlines President. Hsieh Su-Chien in a press release. “We are excited to add more 777 Freighters because of their operational efficiency and reliability. Our fleet modernization program will enable us to deliver added value to our customers, especially as the global supply chain continues to evolve.

China Airlines had already started taking delivery of six 777F freighters in December 2020. Three have been delivered so far, with two more scheduled for 2022 and one scheduled for 2023; delivery of the four newly ordered 777F freighters will begin in 2023 and end in 2024.

rapid rise

It is certainly a smart move by the Taiwanese flag carrier to expand its freighter fleet, as last year was a booming year of records for its freighter business – it was also a year in boom for Taiwan’s exports and rose by a record 29.4%.

And considering that the 777F freighter is currently the largest twin-engine freighter in the world with a maximum payload of 102 tons, while being slightly more environmentally friendly with a 17% reduction in fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions per ton compared to previous generation aircraft – the freighter then enables China Airlines to make fewer stopovers on long-haul routes, further reducing associated expenses such as landing and parking fees.

Additionally, the main cargo hold can be equipped with cargo pallet restraint systems used for transporting solid-state machinery and motors, providing high-value cargo such as precision instruments and temperature-controlled cargo with optimal transport services – in accordance with what China Airlines has been transporting and much more.

Fascinated by airplanes from an early age, Charlotte’s dream was to one day work alongside the big birds. Pursuing her dream, she completed her degree in Aviation Management and is currently working on her degree in Aviation Business Administration with a minor in Air Traffic Management. When she’s not busy with schoolwork, you can find her spotting her planes for long hours at the airport. In Charlotte’s heart, the Queen of the Skies will always be her favorite aircraft.

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