China Airlines Expands Fleet with $2 Billion Airbus Agreement, Paving the Way for Continued Growth in Asia-Pacific Aviation

Thursday, June 26, 2025

China Airlines is set to further strengthen its position in the Asia-Pacific aviation market with a landmark $2 billion agreement with Airbus. The deal, which includes a combination of narrowbody and widebody aircraft, marks a significant step in the airline’s expansion strategy. This move comes at a time when demand for air travel is resurging across the region, and China Airlines aims to meet growing passenger needs while enhancing its fleet’s operational efficiency. With the new aircraft, the carrier is poised to continue its momentum, capitalizing on the robust growth in Asia-Pacific aviation and solidifying its role as a key player in the global aviation landscape.

Airbus Strikes $2 Billion Deal with China Airlines to Expand Fleet, Signaling Continued Momentum in Asia-Pacific Aviation

Following a successful showcase at the 2025 Paris Air Show, Airbus is set to maintain its robust growth in the aviation sector with a new, high-value aircraft deal valued at over $2 billion. The agreement is reportedly with China Airlines, Taiwan’s flagship carrier and a prominent member of the SkyTeam alliance. Sources close to the matter indicate that this deal will include a mix of both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, further strengthening the airline’s fleet and its ongoing relationship with Airbus.

This announcement comes on the heels of a similar deal secured by another Taiwanese airline, Starlux Airlines, just one week prior at the same Paris Air Show. The deals underscore the strong and growing demand for Airbus aircraft in Asia-Pacific, a region that has continued to expand its aviation sector, particularly with the post-pandemic surge in international travel. China Airlines, in particular, has a longstanding relationship with Airbus, already operating a variety of its narrowbody and widebody models.

China Airlines Expands Fleet with 13 Additional Aircraft from Airbus

In a significant move, China Airlines has agreed to purchase 13 new aircraft from Airbus, marking a substantial investment in the airline’s long-term fleet strategy. The deal, valued at over $2 billion, consists of five Airbus A350-900 widebody jets and eight Airbus A321neo narrowbody jets. Notably, five of the A321neo jets will be sourced from the Air Lease Corporation (ALC), totaling an estimated cost of $240 million. However, discussions for the remaining three A321neo units are still underway, which could further enhance the fleet’s capabilities.

China Airlines has expressed interest in the five A350-900 jets, which are priced up to $1.965 billion, though the final price could drop significantly if the airline opts to lease the aircraft rather than purchase them outright. This flexibility in the deal provides China Airlines with options, reflecting the airline’s evolving needs and the complexities of modern fleet planning. Over the years, China Airlines has remained a loyal customer of Airbus, demonstrating confidence in the European manufacturer’s aircraft and services.

Aviation Strategy Affected by Boeing 787 Delays

A key driver behind China Airlines’ decision to expand its fleet with Airbus aircraft is the continued delays in its Boeing 787 Dreamliner orders. The Taiwanese airline has an outstanding order for 18 Boeing 787-9 aircraft and six 787-10 models. However, delays in the delivery of these planes have forced China Airlines to push back the retirement of its older aircraft. This gap in the airline’s fleet necessitated a swift response, with China Airlines turning to Airbus to fill the void with timely and reliable aircraft deliveries, particularly the A350-900 model.

Earlier in 2025, China Airlines also placed an order for 10 A350-1000 aircraft, marking another strong commitment to Airbus. These larger, more fuel-efficient aircraft will primarily serve long-haul routes to Europe and North America, helping the airline to meet the growing demand for transcontinental air travel. The A350-1000s will also enhance China Airlines’ ability to operate at higher capacity and optimize operational efficiency on high-demand routes.

Regional Shift Towards Airbus A350 Family in Southeast Asia

China Airlines is not the only carrier in Southeast Asia embracing Airbus’s A350 family. Starlux Airlines, another Taiwan-based carrier, also placed an order for 10 A350-1000s at the Paris Air Show, with deliveries expected to begin in 2031. This signals a broader trend in Southeast Asia, where both established and newer carriers are increasingly opting for Airbus’s advanced, fuel-efficient long-haul jets. The A350 family’s popularity is driven by its performance, passenger comfort, and cost-effectiveness, all key factors for airlines navigating the competitive and growing Southeast Asian aviation market.

As demand for international air travel continues to rise, the A350 family has positioned itself as a key aircraft for airlines in Southeast Asia. The region’s economic growth and expanding middle class are fueling both short- and long-haul travel, which, in turn, is driving the need for modern, fuel-efficient fleets that can meet increased passenger demand while keeping operating costs in check.

China Airlines’ Current Fleet and Future Outlook

Currently, China Airlines operates a diverse fleet that includes a total of 17 Airbus A321neo aircraft, 13 of which are actively flying. These A321neo aircraft, with an average age of just 2.1 years, are among the newest in the airline’s fleet, significantly younger than the carrier’s overall fleet, which has an average age of 10 years. The A321neo configuration includes 12 business class seats and 168 economy class seats, ensuring optimal efficiency on short to medium-haul routes.

On the widebody front, China Airlines operates 15 Airbus A350-900 jets, with an average age of 7.8 years. These aircraft are a core component of the airline’s long-haul operations, serving destinations across Europe, North America, and beyond. The A350-900s are equipped with two different seating configurations: one with 32 business class seats, 31 premium economy seats, and 243 economy seats, and another with 40 business class seats, 32 premium economy seats, and 228 economy seats.

China Airlines has secured a $2 billion deal with Airbus to expand its fleet with both narrowbody and widebody aircraft. This strategic move positions the airline for continued growth, reinforcing its role in the rapidly expanding Asia-Pacific aviation market.

With this new fleet expansion, China Airlines is well-positioned to meet growing demand while modernizing its fleet with the latest in aviation technology. As Asia-Pacific continues to lead the global aviation recovery, China Airlines’ commitment to Airbus ensures that the airline is prepared for the future of air travel, with a fleet that is both reliable and technologically advanced.