Airbus has announced that Taiwan’s China Airlines

has finalized an order for ten A350-1000 aircraft, a deal that the airline disclosed in December 2024.

Finalizing an order

On March 31, Airbus

stated that China Airlines had signed a firm order for ten A350-1000 aircraft, with the Taiwanese airline adding further A350

family aircraft to its order book.

According to the European plane maker, the A350-1000s

will operate long-haul routes to North America and Europe, providing complete operational commonality with the airline’s existing A350-900 fleet.

Kao Shing-Hwang, the Chairman of China Airlines, remarked that the airline’s investment in the A350-1000 supports its international growth strategy, reflecting its commitment to improving the passenger experience.

China Airlines Airbus A350-1000 rendering

Photo: Airbus

“We are confident that the A350-1000, with its superior range, fuel efficiency, and comfort, will play a key role in transforming our long-haul operations.”

Benoit de Saint-Exupéry, the Executive Vice President of Sales of Airbus Commercial Aircraft, added that Airbus is welcoming China Airlines to the ever-growing family of A350-1000 operators.

“As an early adopter of the A350-900, China Airlines has played a pioneering role in embracing cutting-edge aviation technology.”

By choosing the A350-1000, which Saint-Exupéry described as the “Long Range Leader,” China Airlines continues elevating its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel, the Airbus executive concluded.

In December 2024, China Airlines disclosed its intent to order 24 aircraft: ten A350-1000 as well as 14 Boeing 777Xs, split between ten 777-9

and four 777-8F cargo aircraft.

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China Airlines disclosed that the total transaction sum would be no more than $11.85 billion.

Comprehensive fleet assessment

When the Taiwanese airline disclosed its intention to order the 24 aircraft in December 2024, it said that it had made the decision following a “comprehensive assessment” of its fleet that began in November 2023.

“A team of leading international and aviation consultants was also retained in February 2024 to study the safety, technology, and cost-benefit of each aircraft. Multiple rounds of talks and price negotiations were conducted with the manufacturers before the new aircraft introduction plan was finalized.”

At the time, China Airlines said that the new aircraft, including the A350-1000 and 777-9s (displayed below), would be configured with business, premium economy, and economy class seats.

China Airlines Boeing 777-9 rendering

Photo: China Airlines

In addition to the A350-1000s, the 777-9 aircraft will also benefit from fleet commonality since the airline has ten 777-300ER

aircraft, as well as nine 777F freighters. Boeing is certifying the 777X aircraft family as a derivative of the 777-300ER.

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Current A350 fleet

Ch-aviation data showed that China Airlines currently has 15 A350-900

aircraft in its fleet, with no further scheduled deliveries in the plans at the moment.

Airbus pointed out that the carrier’s A350-900s operate flights to Europe and the United States, as well as routes in Asia and the Pacific.

According to data from the aviation analytics company Cirium’s Diio Mi airline planning tool, in April, China Airlines has scheduled 82 weekly flights, including nine weekly flights to Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) and daily itineraries to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK), Jakarta Soekarno–Hatta International Airport (CGK), Frankfurt Airport

(FRA), and Singapore Changi Airport (SIN).

China Airlines Airbus A350-900 routes in April

Photo: Great Circle Map

Destinations in the US include Los Angeles International Airport

(LAX), Ontario International Airport (ONT), and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

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