Chicago O’Hare Airport was hit by a snowstorm on January 28. China Airlines Cargo’s Boeing 747-400F B-18715 was damaged while taxiing to the cargo ramp at ORD when the number 2 engine hit at least one baggage cart on Friday, January 28.
Video:
Category Archives: China Airlines
China Airlines orders four additional Boeing 777F freighters
China Airlines and Boeing today announced the Taiwan flag carrier has ordered four 777 Freighters, adding to its extensive fleet of Boeing airplanes. Valued at $1.4 billion at list prices, the order will enable the airline to capture new market opportunities as global air cargo demand continues to grow.
In 2021, China Airlines’ air cargo revenue was up 186% above the pre-pandemic year of 2019, which nearly balanced out a 96% drop in passenger revenue. Last year China Airlines Cargo recorded the best year in its history – over TWD 100 billion (USD $3.6 billion) in revenue – by leveraging its existing all-Boeing fleet of (18) 747-400 Freighters and (3) 777 Freighters. With (3) 777 Freighters already on order, China Airlines’ 777 Freighter is the perfect complement to the airline’s existing 747-400 Freighter fleet, seamlessly accommodating the 3-meter (10-foot) tall pallets and maximizing flexibility for its air cargo operations.
Previously China Airlines Cargo issued this statement:
2021 proved a record-setting year for the China Airlines Cargo team. Even as the impact of COVID-19 was felt all around the world, China Airlines switched to a cargo-centric business model that put its fleet of 21 freighters to full use. The non-stop movement of cargo kept the economic lifeblood of Taiwan and the world flowing. Some of the records set by Cargo in 2021 included making over a hundred cargo charter flights in one month, surpassing TWD 15.4 billion in single-month cargo revenues in December, exceeding TWD 10 billion in cargo revenues for five consecutive months, and sweeping past TWD 100 billion in cargo revenues for the entire year. 2021 was in fact the best-ever year in Cargo’s 62-year history.
As national airlines fought to survive, China Airlines’ elite team of 800 cargo employees around the world showed that they were able to aggressively expand the freight network. More than a thousand pilots flying around the clock as well as the full support of maintenance, ground crews and other units saw China Airlines’ Cargo business surge to new heights during the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, a fleet of 21 freighter aircraft including three newly introduced 777F freighters and the existing eighteen 747-400F freighters helped China Airlines strengthen its competitiveness in the air cargo industry. Through team work, Cargo made around 540 freighter flights per month or an average of 120 flights per week. The integration of passenger and freighter capacity along with continued optimization of schedules and connections meant that over a hundred passenger and freighter charter flights were dispatched in a given month. Total revenues broke all past records and single-month cargo revenues of more than TWD 10 billion represented a new peak that boosted China Airlines’ ranking in the global cargo industry.
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the air cargo market has undergone structural changes. In addition to the transportation of epidemic prevention supplies, China Airlines continues to ensure the continuity of supply for economic growth goods and everyday necessities ranging from auto parts, semiconductor chips to actual vehicles and high-precision wafer machinery. Shortages in sea cargo capacity meant that e-commerce, textile and other industries that traditionally went by sea now relied upon air cargo as well. COVID-19 spurred the rapid growth of the stay-at-home economy and a jump in online shopping. Fitness equipment, vacuum cleaners, gaming consoles, boutique handbag brands, and even machines for mining digital currency are just some of the goods carried aboard cargo charters. China Airlines is continuing to track and respond to the latest market developments through timely adjustments of flight schedules and rosters. Such initiatives ensured China Airlines’ survival amidst the epidemic and generated cargo revenues in excess of TWD 100 billion.
The inability to travel overseas and enjoy gourmet food during the pandemic led to a surge in demand for fresh and perishable goods. The professional cargo team at China Airlines “kept things fresh” for the people of Taiwan by transporting bulk quantities of meats and seafood including Wagyu Beef from Japan, and lobsters from North America and Australia. Dairy products, frozen desserts, fruits and vegetables such as fresh flowers from Kenya in Africa, melons from Hokkaido in Japan, grapes from California in the U.S.A, along with yogurt and honey from Australia were transported as well. China Airlines’ world-spanning cargo network is now flying fresh and perishable products from across the world to food lovers in Taiwan.
As the first airline in Taiwan to receive the CEIV Pharma certification for pharmaceutical cold-chain logistics, China Airlines is also known for its professional cold-chain logistics management and transportation experience. In addition to transporting COVID-19 vaccines purchased by Taiwan, China Airlines also successfully delivered vaccines to countries in Southeast Asia and Oceania. More than 75 million doses of COVID-19 weighing over 350 tonnes have been transported to date, demonstrating China Airlines’ spirit of social responsibility and humanitarian assistance. Additionally, the rapid growth of China Airlines’ cold chain transportation business has seen a jump in the use of temperature-controlled containers. In 2021 more than a thousand temperature-controlled containers were transported by China Airlines, which represents a growth of more than 100% compared to that of pre-pandemic levels.
China Airlines was the first airline in Asia to receive a rating outlook of “stable” from S&P Global Company. In the future, China Airlines will continue to focus on its cargo operations, closely monitor developments in the passenger market, and carefully review its passenger market strategy, as it works to maximize its operational profits.
Top Copyright Photo: China Airlines Cargo Boeing 777F B-18772 (msn 66891) LAX (Michael B. Ing). Image: 956590.
China Airlines aircraft slide show:
China Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
Air Lease Corporation announces the delivery of first of six new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft to China Airlines
Air Lease Corporation (ALC) has announced the delivery of one new Airbus A321-200neo aircraft on long-term lease to China Airlines.
Featuring Pratt & Whitney PW1133G-JM engines, this is the first of six new A321-200neos confirmed to deliver to the airline from ALC’s order book with Airbus. This aircraft is the first A321neo to deliver to China Airlines.
Airbus made this announcement:
China Airlines (CAL) has become the latest operator of the A321neo, following the delivery of its first aircraft of the type, on lease from Air Lease Corporation (ALC).
The aircraft operated with a blend of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). SAF provides a reduction of up to 80% in carbon emissions over its lifecycle, compared to traditional jet fuel.
The aircraft is powered by Pratt & Whitney PW1100G engines and seats 180 passengers in a two-class layout. The A321neo incorporates the Airbus Cabin Flex, which enables optimal use of space by relocating various fixtures and fittings, providing the highest levels of passenger comfort.
CAL’s A321neo will be able to fly on routes of up to seven hours from Taipei.
CAL’s A321neos also come with a Cargo Loading System that enables container cargo operations, further reinforcing the airline and Taipei’s position as a global air freight hub.
Altogether CAL will acquire 25 A321neo aircraft, comprising 11 directly ordered from Airbus and 14 under lease agreements. The A321neo will form the core of CAL’s single-aisle fleet and offers cockpit commonality with CAL’s existing A330 and A350 aircraft.
China Airlines operates the last Boeing 747 revenue flight
China Airlines on Saturday (March 20) operated its last Boeing 747 revenue flight. The special scenic flight (flight CI 2747) was operated with the pictured Boeing 747-400 B-18215 (below) which was also last Boeing 747-400 to be built.
The airline issued this statement:
China Airlines, the Taiwan-based carrier, will soon begin retiring the 747-400 passenger aircraft “Queen of the Skies” from service. The limited-edition final passenger-carrying mission generated much fan interest and all tickets were sold within 5 minutes of going on sale. Thus a “747 Queen of the Skies Farewell Party” one-day micro-trip was launched on March 20 by China Airlines. Aircraft B-18215, the last 747 delivered to China Airlines by Boeing in April 2005, was assigned to fly flight CI-2747 in homage to Queen of the Skies.
For the “747 Queen of the Skies Farewell Party”, check-in began at 7:47 a.m. followed by an exclusive ground-side itinerary at Gate D6, Terminal 2 of Taoyuan International Airport. This included a tour of each cabin class aboard the 747 passenger aircraft as well as a super-sized capsule vending machine for 747 peripherals. A one-of-a-kind 747 photo booth was also set up on the day to fulfill the wishes of travelers kept from international travel for so long.
China Airlines flight CI-2747 was the last passenger-carrying flight of the 747-400 before its retirement and commemorated the aircraft’s service with China Airlines. More than 350 passengers gathered to send off the Queen of the Skies. The flight departed from Taoyuan Airport at 11:30 a.m. and flew to Japan, circling around Mt. Fuji before returning. The flight lasted around 5 hours and 40 minutes, and arrived back at Taoyuan Airport at 17:10. China Airlines prepared 747 surprise packs stuffed with goodies for the passengers. These included a limited-edition Farewell Party model aircraft, embossed face mask, tail-fin keyring, canvas bag, flight safety pack, and navy blue China Airlines amenities kit. Passengers also had the chance to win exclusive gifts such as a Mt. Fuji glass and 747 liveried aircraft model. Passengers were even presented with a commemorative flight certificate during the flight.
First class services were recreated for this micro-trip. Teriyaki eel rice and Grilled beef tenderloin with port wine sauce for example were presented course by course in the traditional manner. The classic Plum Blossom porcelain and vintage Pol Roger champagne all served to highlight the 5-star experience of First Class on the 747; Business Class was served with Kabayaki eel rice in Shokato style and Roasted chicken with baked cheese pasta; the Economy Class menu featured Sakura shrimp with fried noodles and Chicken with Japanese fried egg. For dessert, there was 747 Queen of the Skies cupcakes and aircraft-shaped cookies from a secret menu. Passengers were able to enjoy a variety of different Japanese cuisine aboard the flight.
The first 747-400 in Asia was introduced by China Airlines and the fleet has served to link Taiwan with North America, Europe, and Australia for the past 30 years. During this time, they carried nearly 100 million passengers and were the mainstay of China Airlines’ high-capacity and long-range routes. In 1993, China Airlines used the 747-400 to launch the Taipei (TPE Airport) to New York (JFK Airport) service, the longest direct route in the world at the time; the all-new Plum Blossom corporate logo that China Airlines introduced in 1995 also made its first appearance on the 747-400. It is the only aircraft to have featured three generations of the corporate logo. In 2003, it carried out a Lunar New Year charter flight that passed through Hong Kong airspace to land directly in China for the first time. This was the first Taiwanese cross-strait flight to land at Shanghai-Pudong airport in 54 years. China Airlines thanks the 747-400 passenger aircraft for its contributions to Taiwan and China Airlines, and hopes that every passenger will always remember the Queen of the Skies. (2021/03/20)
Top Copyright Photo: China Airlines Boeing 747-409 B-18215 (msn 33737) TPE (Manuel Negrerie). Image: 929564.
China Airlines aircraft slide show:
China Airlines readies first Boeing 777F for new era in cargo services
China Airlines today (December 16) celebrates its 61st anniversary. Its first Boeing 777F is also ready to enter service. The new 777F twin-engine freighters being introduced by China Airlines will bring greater performance and fuel efficiency to the carrier’s freighter fleet, paving the way for the launch of next-generation air cargo services in the post-pandemic era.
China Airlines Chairman Su-chien Hsieh said that the freighter fleet played a crucial role even as the COVID-19 pandemic brought the global airline industry almost to a standstill. The carrier not only put all 18 of its 747-400 freighters into service but also increased weekly freighter flights by 20%. It also put the belly hold of its passenger aircraft to good use and pioneered the use of passenger cabins for carrying cargo. Cargo revenues between January and November this year were increased by 83% over the same period last year as a result, becoming a lifeline for China Airlines during these trying times. Special appreciation must therefore go to all employees and the cargo services team in particular.
Hsieh also noted that the six 777F China Airlines has on order are slated to be delivered between 2020 and 2023. The first 777F arrived in Taiwan on December 1 and a further two will be delivered before the end of January 2021. The three 777F will give China Airlines Cargo Services an edge over the competition once they all enter service. The fleet of 21 freighters will pave the way for a new generation of air cargo services by China Airlines in the post-pandemic era. The demand for freighter aircraft from vaccine transport and the general freight market should help boost cash flow for China Airlines Cargo Services.
The first China Airlines 777F has the aircraft registration of B-18771. Using the aircraft number of a 747F retired in 2004 symbolizes the passing of the baton between generations. The new freighter will carry on China Airlines’ legacy of being the sixth largest air cargo carrier in the world and take it to even greater heights. To welcome the latest addition to the China Airlines family and give the new fleet its own distinctive look, an all-new livery was developed that retains “CARGO” in corporate colors and carries on the China Airlines spirit through the plum blossom. The freighter will soon be assigned to flying freight routes in Asia and North America as soon as it has completed preparation and validation.
The 777F features twin engines that translate into 20% lower fuel consumption and a range longer than the 747F. It can therefore be flown on trans-Pacific routes with fewer payload restrictions and better hold utilization. The aircraft is equipped with fully temperature-controlled cargo holds and the main cargo hold can be fitted with cargo pallet restraint systems used for carrying semiconductor machinery and engines. High-value cargo such as precision instruments and temperature-controlled goods can all be carried in the future. China Airlines is the first carrier in Taiwan to be certified by the IATA Center of Excellence for Independent Validators in Pharmaceutical Logistics (CEIV Pharma) for temperature-controlled cold chain logistics so far.
China Airlines aircraft photo gallery:
China Airlines aircraft slide show:
Air Lease Corporation announces lease placement of six new Airbus A321neo aircraft with China Airlines
Air Lease Corporation has announced long-term lease agreements with China Airlines (Taiwan) for six new Airbus A321neo aircraft.
The aircraft will deliver to the airline beginning in 2021 through 2022 from ALC’s order book with Airbus.
China Airlines finalizes its order for six Boeing 777 Freighters
China Airlines has finalized its agreement with Boeing to order six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. The carrier, which currently operates one of the world’s largest 747 Freighter fleets, plans to transition to the largest and longest range twin-engine freighters in the industry as it launches operations from Taipei to North America, a key market that provides higher yields for the carrier.
China Airlines, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, currently operates 51 Boeing airplanes, including 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range), 19 Next-Generation 737s, four 747-400s and 18 747 Freighters.
Image: Boeing.
China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its future single aisle fleet
China Airlines (CAL) has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for 11 Airbus A321neo aircraft and will acquire another 14 aircraft of the type on lease. CAL has selected the A321neo to meet future requirements in the single aisle category.
These 25 aircraft will join the Airbus fleet at the airline currently comprising 23 A330s and 14 A350 XWBs.
Image:
China Airlines intends to upgrade fleet with Boeing 777 freighters
Boeing and China Airlines today announced the airline’s intent to order up to six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. China Airlines 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 provide higher yields for the carrier.
The order will be reflected on Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website once it is finalized.
The 777 Freighter is capable of flying 4,970 nautical miles (9,200 km) with a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs). The airplane will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter and superior ton-mile economics. In addition, the 777 Freighter features market-leading capacity for a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck. This allows for lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.
China Airlines operates 51 Boeing airplanes. The addition of 777 Freighters will enable the carrier to streamline maintenance and parts for its 777 fleet. The carrier uses a number of Boeing Global Services solutions to support their operations, including Boeing’s Airplane Health Maintenance and Maintenance Performance Toolbox on all of their 777, 747-400 and Next-Generation 737 aircraft. These data-driven platforms track real-time airplane information, providing maintenance data and decision support tools that allow technicians to quickly and correctly resolve issues. On the ground and in the air, China Airlines’ entire fleet uses Jeppesen’s FliteDeck Pro and access to digital navigation charts to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.
Boeing is the world’s largest aerospace company and leading provider of commercial airplanes, defense, space and security systems, and global services. The company supports commercial and government customers in more than 150 countries. Boeing employs more than 150,000 people worldwide and leverages the talents of a global supplier base. Building on a legacy of aerospace leadership, Boeing continues to lead in technology and innovation, deliver for its customers and invest in its people and future growth.
Image: Boeing.
China Airlines selects the Airbus A321neo for its regional narrow body operations
China Airlines has made this announcement:
After assessing all relevant aircraft features and considering the congestion of neighboring airports in Asia, China Airlines have selected Airbus A321neo as the optimum aircraft for the regional narrowbody operations. China Airlines will first introduce 14 leased A321neo which will enter into service starting in 2021, and the negotiation for additional 11 firm and 5 option aircraft orders will be initiated simultaneously.
The introduction of the new narrowbody fleet will be another important milestone for China Airlines after the 10 777-300ER and 14 A350-900. With the addition of the new A321neo, China Airlines will be able to deploy new generation aircraft to both long-haul routes and regional routes, and enjoy all the benefits including operational efficiency and better economics.
As a continuation of the new generation cabin products already provided by China Airlines 777-300ER and A350-900, brand new cabin designs will be implemented in the new narrowbody aircraft, including seating configuration and in-flight entertainment system. This way China Airlines branding will remain seamless throughout the whole fleet, providing diversified and advanced services to further enhance passenger experience.
World Airline News 
You must be logged in to post a comment.