Taipei: Taiwan-based China Airlines has announced plans to receive its first Boeing 787 aircraft in the first quarter of 2026, with operations set to commence in June 2026 targeting destinations like Bangkok or Tokyo.

According to Focus Taiwan, China Airlines President Chen Han-ming revealed at a press event in Thailand that the company is currently conducting flight tests on the Boeing 787s. A total of three to five aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2026. The airline initially purchased 16 of these aircraft in August 2022 and further expanded its order by eight in May 2023, aiming to position the 787s as the main medium-capacity carrier for the upcoming era. Among the 24 ordered 787s, six are the larger capacity 787-10 models.

The first deliveries of the aircraft were originally anticipated for 2025 but experienced delays. Chen emphasized that these new aircraft will gradually replace the airline’s aging Airbus A330s, which have been the subject of passenger complaints.

In addition to the Boeing 787s, China Airlines has procured 10 Airbus A350-1000 aircraft, with deliveries expected to start in 2029. The airline has also ordered ten 777-9s and four 777-8F cargo aircraft from Boeing, anticipated to begin arriving in 2030. These Airbus A350-1000 and Boeing 777-9 planes will be utilized for long-haul flights to North America or Europe.

Furthermore, China Airlines has commissioned Airbus to enhance the cabins of 15 of its A350 aircraft, with the updated interiors scheduled for implementation in 2027.