On 18 December 2025, Airbus announced that China Airlines has placed a firm order for additional A350-1000s. The order is for five aircraft, taking its total ordered A350-1000s to fifteen. Deliveries of the first aircraft is expected in 2029.
The order is part of the airline's expansion plan that saw it also order ten Boeing B777-9s and four B777-8Fs in December 2024. On top of these orders, China Airlines also has direct open orders for five more A321neos and 24 B787-9s.
Today, the fleet of the airline is made-up of 20 A321neos, thirteen A330-300s, fifteen A350-900s, eight B737-800s, ten B777Fs, and ten B777-300ERs.
On 19 December 2024, China Airlines announced orders for a total of 24 new widebody aircraft. The airline from Taiwain is ordering from both Airbus and Boeing and has placed orders for ten A350-1000s, ten B777-9s, and four B777-8Fs. Delivery of the new aircraft is set to start in 2029.
Currently, China Airlines' fleet is made-up of fourteen A321neos, sixteen A330-300s, fifteen A350-900s, ten B737-800s, eight B747-400Fs, nine B777Fs, and ten B777-300ERs.
The airline also holds open orders for eleven A321neos and 24 B787-9s.
Following in the footsteps of Scoot, China Airlines has also unveiled a special Pokémon-livery on one of its aircraft. With this Airbus A321neo B-18101 (10730), the airline will offer special themed Pokémon-flights as well as deploy it on its regular services. The Airbus operated its first flight in its new livery on 30 September out of Taipei-Taoyuan International on 30 September.
The A321neo is one of eight the airline operates in the fleet, which also consists of 22 Airbus A330-300s, fourteen A350-900s, twelve Boeing B737-800s, eighteen B747-400Fs, four B777Fs and ten B777-300ERs.
Corendon Airlines is going big by wet-leasing a first widebody aircraft. The aircraft, Airbus A330-300 9H-LEON (769) is leased for eighteen months from Maltese carrier Airhub Airlines and has started operations at the end of May. Before joining the fleet of the ACMI-carrier, this Airbus was operated by China Airlines and GetJet.
Corendon is mainly using the aircraft between Germany and Antalya in Turkey but the Airbus has also made appearances in Poland and Switzerland. The airline is also planning to deploy the aircraft on long-haul routes in the last quarter of this year and will use this lease-period to evaluate if bringing in widebody aircraft of their own would make sense in the future.
China Airlines Airbus A321neo Conducts Maiden Flight Between Taiwan & Hong Kong
On March 27th, the all-new Airbus A321neo aircraft for China Airlines made its spectacular debut on its maiden flight from Taoyuan, Taiwan to Hong Kong. Upon receiving a water salute from the fire engines, flight CI 909 took off from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport at 10:24 am. The flight is scheduled for two daily passenger or cargo-only return flights before the airline allows for the fleet to be progressively dispatched to other destinations.
To celebrate the new aircraft's introduction into commercial service, China Airlines prepared an aromatherapy gift pack that included a hand wash, lotion, and light perfume for passengers on the first return flight back to Taiwan. And for additional peace of mind, the same passengers were also given an in-flight protection pack containing a face mask and alcohol wipes during the flight.
The Airbus A321neo passenger aircraft will be the main feature on regional routes for the Taoyuan-based carrier and is configured for 180 seats including 12 in Premium Business Class and 168 in economy. The spacious and comfortable cabins are designed for contactless service and enhanced epidemic prevention.
Business travelers and tourists flying on this route will be welcomed by brand-new cabin facilities. This includes fully reclinable seats in Premium Business Class, with the latest in-flight entertainment system and also state-of-the-art seatback displays.
Before starting on regularly scheduled light services though, this particular Airbus A321neo will be scheduled to other destinations such as Manila, Palau, and Yangon. And then, starting from May 4th, the Airbus A321neo will be scheduled to operate on the prime Songshan-Tokyo (Haneda) route with services set for every Wednesday and Saturday.
Small, but green and mighty
The neo promises to be 15 to 20% more fuel-efficient than the previous generation of narrowbody aircraft. Its noise footprint and harmful emissions are already 75% smaller and 50% lower respectively. What's more, China Airlines has specifically arranged for the new Airbus A321neo aircraft to operate using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) on the ferry flight back to Taiwan, as this helps to further reduce emissions by another hefty 8%.
These tangible improvements in fuel efficiency represent the airline's commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, reducing its greenhouse gas emissions as well as protecting the environment.
And that's not all, as the Airbus A321neo was also chosen for its high capacity and extreme versatility in its cargo handling system, which allows for China Airlines to better focus on the current demand levels for air cargo. This means that whenever the aircraft is not being utilized for commercial passenger services, the airline can opt to have it used for cargo-only flights to better optimize profit returns - a general win-win situation for the carrier.
Possible new entries
The Skyteam member airline has 25 of the aircraft type in Airbus' order books to improve on its efforts to become a much more environmentally-friendly airline. Three have already been received and will soon be progressively introduced into service. Another seven more are expected to be delivered this year.
Air Lease Corporation Announces Delivery of First of Six New Airbus A321-200neo Aircraft to China Airlines
LOS ANGELES, California, November 29, 2021 – Today Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL) announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft on long-term lease to China Airlines. Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM engines, this is the first of six new A321-200neos confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC’s orderbook with Airbus. This aircraft is the first A321neo to deliver to China Airlines.
“ALC is honored to be the first to introduce the A321neo to our long-time customer China Airlines. The A321neo will become the backbone of China Airlines’ single-aisle fleet, providing fleet expansion and modernization, and elevation of their passenger experience to new levels. The greater fuel efficiency and operating flexibility of the A321neo will also maximize profitability and further China Airlines environmental sustainability goals,” said John L. Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including expected delivery dates. Such statements are based on current expectations and projections about our future results, prospects and opportunities and are not guarantees of future performance. Such statements will not be updated unless required by law. Actual results and performance may differ materially from those expressed or forecasted in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
About Air Lease Corporation (NYSE: AL)
ALC is a leading aircraft leasing company based in Los Angeles, California that has airline customers throughout the world. ALC and its team of dedicated and experienced professionals are principally engaged in purchasing commercial aircraft and leasing them to its airline customers worldwide through customized aircraft leasing and financing solutions. ALC routinely posts information that may be important to investors in the “Investors” section of ALC’s website at www.airleasecorp.com. Investors and potential investors are encouraged to consult the ALC website regularly for important information about ALC. The information contained on, or that may be accessed through, ALC’s website is not incorporated by reference into, and is not a part of, this press release.
About China Airlines (http://www.china-airlines.com)
China Airlines was established in 1959 and the CAL Group is currently operating a fleet of 107 aircraft. As one of the 19 members of the SkyTeam Alliance, China Airlines is the largest airline in Taiwan in terms of service frequency and size, with more than 12,000 employees worldwide. China Airlines offers passengers access to an extensive global network of more than 15,445 daily flights to 1,036 destinations in 170 countries. China Airlines is continuing to promote superior aviation safety as well as eco-friendly, innovative and attentive services that provide travelers with the perfect travel experience. Recent major international and domestic awards received by China Airlines include: 7/7 Safety Rating from Airline Ratings in Australia, the Taiwanese civil aviation industry’s top Golden Flyer Award, Best of the Best Red Dot Award, iF Design Award, Good Design Award from Japan, TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Major Airline Asia, and the APEX Award for Publication Excellence for the Dynasty inflight magazine. The annual China Airlines brand commercial won awards at AD Stars, 4A Creative Awards, Times Advertising Awards, and a London International Awards’ Chinese Creativity Award.
China Airlines Takes Delivery Of Its First Airbus A321neo
China Airlines has joined the ranks of Airbus A321neo operators, taking its delivery of its inaugural A321neo on Wednesday. The jet is the first of 25 A321neos the Taipei-based airline has on order. The sparkling new plane departed Hamburg on Wednesday and is now in Dubai enroute to Taipei.
China Airlines has just taken delivery Of its first Airbus A321neo. Photo: Airbus
The China Airlines A321neo a replacement for Boeing 737-800s
After arriving at its new home, the Airbus will undergo preparation and certification before flying its first passengers. China Airlines says the A321neo will progressively replace older Boeing 737-800 aircraft on routes throughout Northeast Asia, Southeast Asia, and cross-strait flights. The new jets will be able to fly on routes of up to seven hours from Taipei.
China Airlines has a mixed fleet of 85 aircraft, however, that includes quite a few Boeing 747-400s dedicated to freight operations. Ferrying around passengers are 23 Airbus A330-300s, 14 Airbus A350-900s, and 17 Boeing 737-800s.
China Airlines’ A321neo under construction in Hamburg earlier this year. Photo: Airbus
The Boeing 737s only have an average age of 8.1 years (only two 737s have hit double figures – B-18615 at 19.4 years and B-18612 at 21.1 years) but China Airlines is phasing the narrowbodied Boeings out. The new kid on the block, the A321neo will form the “core” of China Airlines’ narrowbody fleet and benefit from cockpit commonality with the airline’s existing A330 and A350 aircraft.
The ferry flight to Taipei is using 10% sustainable aviation fuel which China Airlines says will see a 8% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional jet fuel.
.First A321neo comes via Air Lease Corporation
China Airlines’ first A321neo, B-18101, arrives on lease from Air Lease Corporation. Fourteen of the A321neos will land under lease packages while 11 will come straight from Airbus. Air Lease Coporation is handling the leasing of six of the jets.
“ALC is honored to be the first to introduce the A321neo to our long-time customer China Airlines,” said John Plueger, Chief Executive Officer and President of Air Lease Corporation.
“The A321neo will become the backbone of China Airlines’ single-aisle fleet, providing fleet expansion and modernization, and elevation of their passenger experience to new levels. The greater fuel efficiency and operating flexibility of the A321neo will also maximize profitability and further China Airlines environmental sustainability goals.”
The main cabin inside China Airlines’ new Airbus A321neo aircraft. Photo: China Airlines
China Airlines upgrades its narrowbody inflight experience
China Airlines’ newest plane is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seats 180 passengers in a two-class layout. Those 180 passengers will enjoy a significant upgrade in the cabin experience compared to the older generation Boeing 737s.
Upgrades include Premium Business Class with fully-flat seats, control of the personalized entertainment system via a passenger’s mobile phone, high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi and a mobile App with free text messaging via choice of Line, WeChat, Facebook Messenger, Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, Viber and Line2.
Fully-flat premium business class seats developed for widebody passenger aircraft remain relatively uncommon on narrowbody aircraft but that’s what China Airlines is installing on their A321neos. There will be 12 business class seats that convert to a lie-flat bed – albeit in a 2-2 configuration rather than the industry-leading 1-1 layout.
In the main cabin, things are a little more business as usual, with 168 passengers seated in the standard 3-3 configuration. Still, there are some consolations, such as a 13.3” 4K high-resolution seatback inflight entertainment screen, factory fresh seats, and a crisp clean cabin.
The new China Airlines Airbus A321neo is due to land in Taipei on Friday, December 2.
China Airlines has issued a request for proposals for the sale and leaseback of two Airbus A350-900s, according to two sources.
The Taiwanese flag carrier has returned to the market after agreeing to sell and lease back five A330-300s earlier this month.
The deadline for bids on the A350s is 1 June, and the airline is seeking an average lease term of 144 months for the two widebodies, which are 2017-vintage, according to one of the sources, who received the RFP from China Airlines.
China Airlines wants to close the transactions by September, says the person, who adds that their own company does not plan to bid on the RFP as its portfolio already has enough widebody exposure.
“We are not so bullish on widebody aircraft at the moment. We have got quite a lot in our fleet already,” the person says, noting that an A320neo or Boeing 737 Max RFP would be more attractive.
A second source, a banker who was invited to provide financing to a lessor that received the RFP, says he would view China Airlines as a relatively good credit risk amid the pandemic, though has yet to make a firm decision whether to participate in the RFP.
“I think they are doing okay because their freighter business is good and they are still doing some business to mainland China,” the person says.
“I think a lot of people would be very interested, despite China Airlines losing money.”
Cirium fleets data indicates that China Airlines has 14 A350-900s in its fleet, all of which are owned by the airline and were delivered between 2016 and 2018.
The carrier holds options on a further six A350-900s.
China Airlines selects the A321neo for its future single aisle fleet
Taiwan’s China Airlines (CAL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 11 A321neo aircraft and will acquire another 14 aircraft of the type on lease. CAL has selected the A321neo to meet future requirements in the single aisle category.
These 25 aircraft will join the Airbus fleet at the airline currently comprising 23 A330s and 14 A350 XWBs.
With the A321neo, China Airlines will be able to operate their single aisle flights with unmatched levels of efficiency and comfort, benefitting from the highest commonality of the Airbus product range.
The A321neo is a member of the best-selling A320 Family incorporating the very latest technologies including new generation engines and Sharklets, which together deliver at least 20 percent fuel savings by 2020. At the end of May 2019, the A320neo Family had received more than 6,500 firm orders from over 100 customers worldwide.
Airbus Delivers 100th A350 To China AirlinesMIAMI — Airbus has delivered the 100th Airbus A350 to China Airlines. The delivery comes 30 months after Airbus delivered their first A350 in December of 2014 to Qatar Airways. “The...
Hawaiian Airlines Announces First A321neo RoutesMIAMI — Hawaiian Airlines has announced the first three routes for its upcoming A321neo. The three routes are Portland (PDX)-Kahului (OGG), Los Angeles (LAX)-Kona (KOA), and Oakland (OAK)-Kaua‘i (LIH). “The...
Scoot Completes TigerAir Integration; Announces Hawaii Route MIAMI — Singapore based low-cost airline Scoot has completed the integration of the Scoot and TigerAir brands the airline announced Tuesday. The two carriers now operate under a single operating certificate. While the merged airline will keep the...
Airbus Delivers 100th A350 To China AirlinesMIAMI — Airbus has delivered the 100th Airbus A350 to China Airlines. The delivery comes 30 months after Airbus delivered their first A350 in December of 2014 to Qatar Airways. “The...
Hawaiian Airlines Announces First A321neo RoutesMIAMI — Hawaiian Airlines has announced the first three routes for its upcoming A321neo. The three routes are Portland (PDX)-Kahului (OGG), Los Angeles (LAX)-Kona (KOA), and Oakland (OAK)-Kaua‘i (LIH). “The...
Scoot Completes TigerAir Integration; Announces Hawaii Route MIAMI — Singapore based low-cost airline Scoot has completed the integration of the Scoot and TigerAir brands the airline announced Tuesday. The two carriers now operate under a single operating certificate. While the merged airline will keep the...
“The 100th A350 XWB milestone comes as we reach our fastest widebody production ramp-up, on track to meet the target of 10 A350 deliveries per month by the end of 2018,” said Fabrice Bregier, Airbus COO and President Commercial Aircraft. “We are especially proud to deliver today’s aircraft to our long-standing customer China Airlines. The A350 is setting new standards for long haul air travel in terms of efficiency and comfort, thus being the perfect aircraft for China Airlines to expand its long-haul network.”
“China Airlines is happy to be receiving the 100th A350 XWB,” said Nuan-shuan Ho, Chairman of China Airlines. “This remarkable new aircraft has not only met, but exceeded our expectations at every level. This includes operational efficiency, the step-change reduction in fuel consumption and the in-flight comfort standards it offers our passengers. Worldwide demand for air travel will continue to grow strongly, especially on long haul routes linking Asia with Europe and North America. The A350 XWB is one of the key assets in our fleet and will be the basis for the development of our long haul route network.”
To date, China Airlines has taken delivery of seven A350s. The China Airlines A350 seats 306 passengers in a three class configuration consisting of 32 business class seats, 31 premium economy seats, and 207 economy seats.
Over three years, Airbus has delivered A350s to 14 different airlines. Airbus reports a solid 99% reliability rate for the young aircraft. “This is a remarkable statistic at this early stage of the programme,” Fabrice Bregier adds.
China Airlines orders more Airbus A350-1000s
“China Airlines is happy to be receiving the 100th A350 XWB,” said Nuan-shuan Ho, Chairman of China Airlines. “This remarkable new aircraft has not only met, but exceeded our expectations at every level. This includes operational efficiency, the step-change reduction in fuel consumption and the in-flight comfort standards it offers our passengers. Worldwide demand for air travel will continue to grow strongly, especially on long haul routes linking Asia with Europe and North America. The A350 XWB is one of the key assets in our fleet and will be the basis for the development of our long haul route network.”
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