2012-12-27 — /travelprnews.com/ — After signing the lease agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services Limited (GECAS) on December 18 for the lease of four new Boeing 777-300ER passenger airplanes, China Airlines has concluded the purchase agreement with Boeing Commercial Airplanes for six 777-300ERs on December 20. The new airplanes will be equipped with the GE90-115BL engines.
China Airlines will introduce ten new 777-300ER passenger airplanes to its fleet beginning in 2014, and plans to operate them on North American and European routes. “The introduction of the 777-300ER into our fleet is another important step toward growing our global operations and enhancing our product offering,” said Huang-Hsiang Sun, president of China Airlines. The new airplanes will feature new interiors that will enhance the flying experience for passengers.
“China Airlines has been a valued Boeing customer for more than 50 years and we are honored the airline has chosen the 777-300ER to expand its long-haul fleet,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “The introduction of the new 777-300ERs will provide China Airlines with new state-of-the-art cabin interiors, while adding improved airplane performance and economics to its long-haul fleet.”
The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. It is 19% lighter than its closest competitor, produces 22% less carbon dioxide per seat and costs 20% less to operate per seat. Other SkyTeam member airlines that have placed orders for the 777-300ER include Air France, KLM, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, Korean Air and Saudi Arabian Airlines. The 777-300ER will become the mainstay of the SkyTeam’s long-haul, high-capacity routes, and SkyTeam members will be able reduce operating costs by sharing ground and maintenance services.
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