China Airlines, the Taiwan-based SkyTeam carrier, will add two additional Airbus A350-900 long-haul aircraft to its fleet.
The first aircraft is slated for delivery in the fourth quarter and will enter service in early 2024. Negotiations for the second A350 continue.
Business Traveller Asia-Pacific has learnt that China Airlines will lease the two additional widebody aircraft after reaching a deal with Tokyo-based JP Lease.
The four-year-old A350 expected in the fourth quarter was previously operated by Scandinavian Airlines (SAS), but rejected by the airline in its ongoing Chapter 11-style restructuring.
China Airlines confirms that the two additional aircraft will increase its A350-900 fleet to 16 aircraft, which alongside 10 Boeing 777-300ERs will continue to form the backbone of its long-haul flying.
The SkyTeam member has announced plans to increase flying to Europe, including a new A350 service between its Taipei hub and Prague, the Czech capital.
All China Airlines A350 and 777 aircraft come in a three-class cabin configuration, comprising business, premium economy and economy class seating.
In all, the carrier currently operates 66 passenger aircraft, including A321 neo, A330-300 and 737-800 narrowbody aircraft on its shorter regional routes. These aircraft come without premium economy.
In addition to the two extra A350s, China Airlines has reconfirmed an order with Boeing for 24 787 Dreamliner aircraft, which will join its fleet from 2025.
