China Airlines has officially finalized its order for ten Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, confirming the commitment initially announced in December 2024. The agreement was formalized today in Toulouse, France.
The new A350-1000s will primarily serve long-haul routes to North America and Europe. China Airlines will benefit from full operational commonality between these aircraft and its existing fleet of A350-900s, which will streamline maintenance and crew training requirements.
China Airlines Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang emphasized that the investment aligns with the airline’s international growth strategy.
“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,” he stated during the announcement.
Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales of the Commercial Aircraft business, welcomed China Airlines to the growing family of A350-1000 operators. He noted that as an early adopter of the A350-900, China Airlines has demonstrated its commitment to embracing cutting-edge aviation technology.
“By choosing the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the world’s most advanced long haul aircraft, China Airlines continues to elevate its fleet, bringing superior efficiency and comfort to the forefront of long-haul travel,” he said.
The A350 family stands as the world’s most modern widebody aircraft platform, offering unmatched range capabilities in today’s commercial aviation market. Powered by latest-generation Rolls-Royce engines, the A350-1000 can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers) without stopping, while using 25% less fuel than previous generation aircraft.
Environmental sustainability figures prominently in the aircraft’s design. All A350 aircraft can already operate with up to 50% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with Airbus targeting 100% SAF capability by 2030.
The order reinforces China Airlines’ relationship with Airbus. The carrier currently operates 15 A350-900s on long-haul routes to Europe and the United States, alongside 15 A321neo and 16 A330 aircraft serving regional destinations across Asia and the Pacific.
This latest acquisition joins more than 1,360 A350 orders from 60 global customers. Currently, 38 operators worldwide have deployed over 640 A350 aircraft, primarily on long-haul services.
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