Boeing and China Airlines finalize order for up to 24 Dreamliners

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Boeing and China Airlines have finalized an order for up to 24 787 Dreamliners as the carrier invests in the fuel-efficient widebody to expand passenger and cargo operations.

The two companies announced the order in a news release this week. Boeing’s 787 program and a significant portion of the assembly process is based in North Charleston.

The deal includes a firm order for 16 of the longest range 787-9 with options for eight additional jets, which the news release called a “landmark purchase that will enable the airline to meet its long-term sustainability goals.”

"We are excited to introduce the 787-9 Dreamliner into our operations as we continue to upgrade our fleet with more modern, fuel-efficient airplanes,” China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien said in the news release. “Adding the state-of-the-art 787 will help us reduce carbon emissions, while also providing our customers with unmatched levels of comfort. Our continuous investment in fleet modernization is the cornerstone of our sustainability efforts. The 787’s best-in-class efficiency and low operating costs will allow us to expand our network for years to come.”

The best-selling model of the Dreamliner family, the 787-9 will allow China Airlines to operate with the lowest trip cost among medium-sized widebodies, while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25% compared to airplanes it replaces, according to the release. Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family's fuel efficiency, flexibility and range have enabled airlines to open more than 325 new nonstop routes and reduce carbon emissions by 80 billion pounds.

“The 787's superior fuel efficiency and range, combined with China Airlines' existing fleet of 777-300ERs, will enable the carrier to grow efficiently and also expand its global route network," said Ihssane Mounir, Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing, said in the release. "This is a milestone order in our continuing partnership with China Airlines, and the market-leading efficiencies of the 787 will play an important role in furthering the airline's sustainability efforts."

Powered by advanced engines and a suite of what the company calls “environmentally progressive technologies,” the 787 family has an airport-noise footprint that is 60% smaller than the previous generation of airplanes, the release said. In addition, the 787's composite structures resist corrosion, making it a good option for the warm and humid climates served by Taipei-based China Airlines.