Story ID: 640
China Airlines To Order Six 777 Freighters
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: Taiwan’s flag carrier prepares to launch operations from Taipei to North American and Europe.
Word Count: 278
China Airlines on Wednesday revealed its intent to order up to six Boeing 777 Freighters. The Taiwanese airline plans to transition to the world’s largest and longest range twin-engine freighter as it launches operations from Taipei to North America and Europe—two key markets that promise to provide higher yields for the carrier.

“Air cargo is an important part of our overall business and the introduction of these new Boeing 777 Freighters will play an integral role in our long-term growth strategy,” said China Airlines chairman Hsieh Su-Chien. “As we transition our freighter fleet to the 777Fs from the older 747Fs, this will enable us to deliver world-class services to our customers more efficiently and reliably.”

The 777 Freighter can fly to a range of 4,970 nm with a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 pounds). The airplane will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on long-haul routes. The 777 Freighter can accommodate 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck, allowing for lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

“The global air freight market is forecasted to double over the next 20 years, and the 777 Freighter's market-leading capabilities and economics will help China Airlines extend their network and grow their cargo business,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes v-p of sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir. “We are proud to expand our partnership with China Airlines, building on our successful introduction of the 777-300ER passenger jet a few years ago.”

China Airlines operates 51 Boeing airplanes. The addition of 777 Freighters will help the carrier to streamline maintenance and parts for its 777 fleet, it said.