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First 777Fs for China Airlines
May 10th 2019
777F will replace China Airlines’ 747Fs. Asiana and Singapore still to decide freight future. Read More »
Fleet renewal at China Airlines (CAL) will see the Taiwanese carrier switch from Boeing to Airbus for its narrowbody fleet. But the news was not all bad for Boeing since CAL has selected the 777F to start replacing its 747-400Fs. CAL has signed a MoU with Boeing for three firm 777Fs and three options. Delivery dates were not disclosed.
CAL operates 10 777-300ERs but these will be its first 777Fs. CAL flies 18 747-400Fs. CAL is eyeing medium-term synergies with maintenance (aircraft and engine) and cockpit staff due to the commonality of the 777F and 777-300ER. CAL’s existing 747 freighter fleet has some synergies as CAL still has four passenger 747s. CAL has not set a retirement date for the 747. EVA Air has selected the 777F for its future cargo fleet.
CAL deciding on a future freighter fleet reduces the number of Asian heavyweights to decide their business’ future participation in cargo. In Northeast Asia, only Asiana Airlines has to decide on how to replace its 747 and 767 freighters. In Southeast Asia, Singapore Airlines (SIA) has gradually decreased its 747 freighter fleet. Neither Asiana nor SIA have ordered the 747-8F or 777F.
