Taiwan's flagship carrier China Airlines (CAL) on Tuesday announced the purchase of 16 Boeing 787-9 passenger jets to meet demand in an anticipated post-pandemic boom.
The aircraft, the first of which is set to be delivered in 2025, will become the mainstay of CAL's medium-capacity wide-body fleet, according to the carrier, which started a twin-aisle passenger aircraft replacement program in 2018.
The Boeing 787-9s have been acquired as part of a phasing out of CAL's Airbus A330-300s, according to the carrier.
The new aircraft will join CAL's fleet of Boeing 777-300ER, A350-900, and A321neo aircraft on the carrier's long-haul, medium-haul, and regional routes as part of an overall network strategy to meet an expected boom in the passenger market internationally, according to CAL.
The Boeing 787-9 also features high fuel efficiency, with its fuel consumption and carbon emissions 20 percent lower compared to the previous generation of the aircraft, CAL said.
In addition, CAL said that the cargo-carrying capabilities of the Boeing 787-9 were also excellent, with a maximum bellyhold capacity of 36 intermodal containers.
"This gives it a clear advantage over other aircraft models, making it a valuable addition to China Airlines' cargo capabilities," CAL said in a statement.
CAL, which currently operates 65 passenger jets and 21 cargo aircraft, said the Boeing 787-9 order included options for eight more aircraft and conversion to the high-capacity 787-10 model.
Source: Focus Taiwan News Channel