China Airlines (CI) is currently considering orders for either the Airbus A350-1000 or the Boeing 777X, with reports from a source to Reuters indicating that the airline may split new orders evenly between the two manufacturers.
The Taiwanese carrier’s goal is to phase out its aging fleet of 10 Boeing 777-300ERs while also preparing for future growth. China Airlines is evaluating up to 20 new passenger aircraft as part of its fleet renewal strategy, looking to equally allocate the orders between Airbus and Boeing.
This potential order is estimated to be valued at around $4 billion, following standard industry discounts, according to calculations from Cirium Ascend. In addition, the airline is also considering a separate order for freighter aircraft.
The timing of this decision aligns with Donald Trump’s recent return to the U.S. presidency, as Taiwan aims to sustain strong diplomatic ties with the United States. The choice regarding freighter aircraft reflects these geopolitical factors.
China Airlines has confirmed that its fleet planning process is rooted in market demand and corporate growth, stating that it evaluates the relevant technical and commercial conditions to select the most suitable aircraft.
The final decision hinges on approval from the airline’s board of directors. While China Airlines claims independence in its fleet planning, the dynamics of Taiwan-U.S. relations likely influence its procurement choices. Trump’s previous administration was supportive of Taiwan, but his recent commentary around Taiwan’s semiconductor sector and defense funding has raised questions.
In light of Trump’s victory, Taiwan’s government has publicly congratulated him, expressing optimism about maintaining robust bilateral relations. Experts highlight that Taiwan is a critical market where diplomatic ties significantly impact aircraft purchase decisions, alongside technical assessments.
