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China Airlines Takes Delivery of First Boeing 777 Freighter

China Airlines today unveiled the first of six Boeing 777 Freighters, officially becoming the 20th operator of the world’s largest and longest range twin-aisle freighter. The 777 Freighter joins the airline amid growing demand for dedicated freighters as operators grapple with the impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Air cargo demand has risen in light of the global pandemic and has played a critical role in maintaining profitability for our airline despite the downturn in passenger traffic,” said China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien. “The efficiency and capability of the 777 Freighter enables us to modernize our freighter fleet, while also allowing us to increase capacity and open into new markets. We look forward to delivering world-class service to our customers.”

China Airlines aims to increase its cargo capacity by 15% in 2021 and is planning to launch the 777 Freighter on routes connecting Taipei with North America — a key market with strong demand and escalating yields. An operator of all-Boeing freighter fleet, China Airlines debuted its new 777 Freighter during a ceremony in Taipei to mark the carrier’s 61st anniversary. The airline is set to take five more 777 Freighters as part of an order announced at the 2019 Paris Air Show.

The 777 Freighter is the world’s largest, longest range and most capable twin-engine freighter. The airplane has a range of 9,200 km (4,970 nautical miles) and can carry a maximum payload of 102,010 kg (224,900 lbs). The airplane will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on long-haul routes, resulting in the lowest trip cost of any large freighter.

The 747 and 777 freighters, both of which make up China Airlines’ world-class freighter fleet, are capable of carrying tall and outsized cargo loads on 3-meter (10-foot) tall pallets. This common main-deck pallet height capability enables interchangeable pallets, adding to the versatility of both models.

“With the global air cargo fleet expected to grow by more than 60% over the next 20 years, the unmatched efficiency of the 777 Freighter will significantly boost China Airlines’ air cargo capabilities and enable them to scale their world-class cargo operations,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Boeing. “We are honored to strengthen our partnership with China Airlines as they continue to build one of the world’s most dynamic freighter fleets.”

In addition to commercial airplanes, Boeing provides China Airlines with total life cycle support services to streamline parts provisioning and flight and maintenance operations. The entire China Airlines fleet uses Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro, which provides access to digital navigation charts and interactive maps to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.

China Airlines also recently signed an agreement for Airplane Health Management (AHM), which tracks real-time airplane information, providing data and decision support tools that allow technicians to quickly and correctly resolve maintenance issues. This allows airlines to take proactive actions based on AHM-generated alerts, reducing disruptions to operations and the costs associated with unscheduled maintenance. With the agreement, China Airlines joins more than 100 global customers using the AHM solution.

Garmin Unveils the Fourth Generation GPS/NAV/COMM

  • GTN 650Xi & GTN 750Xi modernize cockpit navigation and are available immediately

OLATHE, Kan.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Garmin International, Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRMN), today announced the GTN™ 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, the next generation of in-flight navigation technology. Designed as a direct slide-in upgrade to the previous generation GTN 650/750, pilots can preserve their panel and modernize the cockpit with the new GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi. The all-in-one GPS/NAV/COMM boasts a feature-rich multifunction display and can integrate with new or existing remote-mount equipment such as a transponder or audio panel. Dual-core processors and modern hardware also prepare the GTN Xi series for advanced capabilities in the future. The GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi have received Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approval and are available immediately for fixed-wing single-engine and multi-engine piston, turbine and experimental aircraft, with helicopter and business aircraft approvals soon to follow.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200108005138/en/

GTN 750Xi and GTN 650Xi in the panel of a Bonanza (Photo: Business Wire)

GTN 750Xi and GTN 650Xi in the panel of a Bonanza (Photo: Business Wire)

“After decades of innovation and pioneering the GPS/NAV/COMM, we’re excited to bring the fourth generation GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi to the market,” said Carl Wolf, vice president of aviation sales and marketing. “Garmin was the first to introduce the all-in-one navigator with the iconic GNS 430/530. Over time the GNS WAAS and the industry-first GTN 650/750 touchscreen navigators were added to the line-up along with state-of-the-art features such as voice control, wireless connectivity and more. As the leader in GPS cockpit navigation, we have brought the most widely adopted navigators to the industry and with the GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi, we’re excited to add one more to the family.”

Modern processing power and state-of-the-art hardware within the GTN 650Xi/750Xi supports faster map rendering and smoother panning throughout the touchscreen navigator. It boasts a large, ultra-high-resolution display and wide viewing angle that offers superior readability in the cockpit. The displays initialize within seconds of start-up, providing immediate access to frequencies and flight plan information, saving valuable time in the aircraft. Preserving the same form factor as the previous generation GTN 650/750, the 6-inch-tall GTN 750Xi and the 2.65-inch-tall GTN 650Xi offer an intuitive touchscreen design with a dedicated direct-to button and dual concentric knob that provide added convenience when interfacing with the display.

Retaining all the features of the GTN 650/750, the GTN Xi series adds a vibrant display and vivid colors that enhance the contemporary look of the new navigators. When installed alongside a G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display, the GTN Xi series brings a new level of modernization to the cockpit. Highly complementary, the GTN Xi and the TXi flight displays share similarities in display, appearance and hardware qualities. For example, both products feature an angular bezel so the pilot has a near-seamless experience when transitioning between the touchscreen flight display and the navigator.

The GTN 650Xi/750Xi offer advanced navigation functions, including ILS and LPV instrument approach procedures, as well as visual approach guidance. Based on a published glide path angle or a three-degree glideslope from the threshold of the runway, visual approaches also take into account terrain and obstacle clearance to assist pilots in flying a stabilized approach to the runway in visual flight conditions. Approach types that incorporate radius-to-fix (RF) leg types are also supported by the GTN Xi series. Additional capabilities include the option to add a published or custom holding procedure, vertical navigation (VNAV), graphical flight plan editing on the moving map and more.

The colorful, multifunction display-like map allows pilots to better visualize their dynamic position relative to potential hazards, such as terrain, weather and traffic. Geo-referenced instrument approach procedures can be overlaid on the map page, offering superior situational awareness when transitioning from the enroute to approach phase of flight. Terrain alerting is included within the GTN Xi series and further enhances situational awareness by using its internal terrain and obstacle database to provide audible and visual terrain proximity alerts, including, “terrain ahead, pull up” and “obstacle ahead, pull up.” Helicopter Terrain Awareness and Warning System (HTAWS), TAWS-A and TAWS-B are available as options.

Superior integration with an array of avionics on the market make the GTN 650Xi/750Xi a simple and straightforward solution to incorporate into any cockpit. Options for remote audio panel or transponder display and control allow aircraft owners to simplify their panel. When paired with a Garmin autopilot, such as the GFC™ 500 or GFC 600, pilots can fly fully coupled VNAV profiles and instrument approach procedures. Pilot workload-reducing features such as Telligence™ voice control are also available within the GTN Xi when paired with the optional GMA™ 35c. When paired with a GSR 56 Iridium datalink, global text and voice calling can be completed through the touchscreen display on the navigator.

Wireless connectivity is available with the optional Flight Stream 510, allowing pilots to connect their mobile devices running the Garmin Pilot™ and FltPlan Go applications to the GTN 650Xi/750Xi. When connected to the navigator, pilots can save time in the cockpit by wirelessly transferring aviation databases and flight plans from their mobile device to the navigator. Flight Stream 510 also supports the sharing of traffic, weather, GPS position information and more. The GTN Xi series is also compatible with the cost-effective Garmin navigation database.

The GTN 650Xi and GTN 750Xi have received FAA Supplemental Type Certification (STC) and are available immediately through Garmin Authorized Dealers for a suggested retail price of $12,495 and $17,995 respectively. A free GTN Xi trainer app is also available for download on Apple mobile devices, which allows customers to experience the feature set of these navigators. A new GTN Essentials 2.0 eLearning Course provides instruction on best practices for operational use of the new GTN Xi series and can be accessed via this website: https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/p/712644. The GTN Xi series come with a two-year warranty and are supported by Garmin’s award-winning aviation support team, which provides 24/7 worldwide technical and warranty support. Garmin was awarded top honors last year in avionics product support for the 16th straight year by Aviation International News,and earned the top spot in the annual avionics product support survey conducted by Professional Pilot magazinethis year, also for the 16th consecutive year.

New Amtrak Acela Trains Stimulate Nationwide Economy

  • With parts from nearly 250 suppliers, Alstom trainset production creates 1,300 new jobs

HARVEY, Ill. – The Amtrak partnership with Alstom to produce the next generation of Acela trains to move customers at higher speeds and more comfort between Boston and Washington is also boosting businesses nationwide. Today, Amtrak and Alstom thanked workers at LB Steel in Illinois for building wheel assemblies (known as “bogies” or “trucks”) and other components.

“While these new trains will provide world-class accommodations for customers traveling in the Northeast, this production will benefit communities across the country by creating jobs and stimulating local economies,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President Roger Harris, who led the visit to the factory south of Chicago. “The fastest trains in the hemisphere – at speeds up to 160 mph – will ride on the work done here in Harvey at LB Steel.”

Alstom is using parts manufactured by nearly 250 suppliers in 27 states, with 95 percent of the components produced domestically. More than 1,300 new jobs will be generated in nearly 90 communities across the United States to support production, including the creation of new, sustainable, high-tech, engineering and manufacturing jobs in New York.

“We are proud to have been selected by Amtrak, not only to design and build the new Avelia Liberty high speed trainsets, but also to provide long-term technical support, and supply spare components and parts for the maintenance of the new trains.,” said Michael MacDonald, Site Managing Director for Alstom in Hornell, N.Y., who also participated in the news event south of Chicago. “Alstom is partnering with suppliers across the country for this project, and the emergence of a high-speed rail manufacturing industry here in the U.S. is becoming a reality.”

The trains are being produced at Alstom’s Hornell facility, which is undergoing a massive investment and transformation to build the 28 high-speed trainsets for Amtrak. One of three new structures has been built to accommodate fleet manufacturing and testing and a new bridge has been built to extend the site’s current test track to accommodate higher speeds. 

The new trains are scheduled to enter service in the Northeast Corridor in 2021 and will accommodate nearly 25 percent more customers while continuing the spacious, high-end comfort of the current Acela service that customers enjoy today. Each train will feature modern amenities such as improved Wi-Fi access, personal outlets, USB ports and adjustable reading lights.

The new Acela trains are part of an Amtrak plan to modernize and upgrade our fleet. Last year, Amtrak refreshed the interiors of the current Acela trains and Amfleet I railcars and announced plans to acquire 75 new locomotives for Amtrak’s long distance and state-sponsored services. This year, Amtrak performed similar work on Amfleet II railcars and announced plans to start next year to refresh Superliner cars used on long distance services. Refreshing of Horizon railcars in the Amtrak MidwestSM network is also now underway with state partner support.

New high-speed Acela train sets for the Northeast Corridor when they enter service in 2021. Check out the first prototype (still under construction) being assembled at Alstom’s Hornell, New York facility.

NATO Gives Boeing $1 Billion Deal to Upgrade AWACS Reconnaissance Planes

AWACS part of NATO investment in hi-tech surveillance

Announcement comes days before NATO summit in London

BRUSSELS, Nov 27 (Reuters) – NATO on Wednesday awarded Boeing Co a $1 billion contract to upgrade its fleet of AWACS reconnaissance planes, a deal officials said showed the strength of transatlantic cooperation days before an alliance summit in London.

First flown in 1982 and repeatedly modernised, the Boeing-made planes, which can detect hostile aircraft, missiles, ships and other weaponry far beyond NATO borders, will be overhauled with more powerful computer processors, servers and equipment.

The 14 planes, based at an air base in Germany, can already exchange information via digital data links, with ground-based, sea-based and airborne commanders, but need a greater capacity to transmit data as technology develops.

The upgrade will keep one of the few military assets owned and operated by the Western alliance in service until 2035.

AWACS have been flown in support of the international coalition against Islamic State, gazing deep into Syria from Turkey, as well as along NATO’s eastern flank following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

“The modernisation will ensure that NATO remains at the leading edge of technology,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told a news conference alongside Boeing President Michael Arthur, standing in front of one of the planes.

“It will provide AWACS with sophisticated new communications and networking capabilities, so these aircraft can continue their vital missions,” he said.

One NATO official described AWACS, which have crews drawn from 18 different allies, as a symbol of NATO unity, at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has questioned its value and French President Emmanuel Macron last month said NATO was dying.

The upgrade will be funded by 16 NATO allies, including the United States, Germany, Turkey, Italy and Spain, and some work will be subcontracted to European suppliers including Leonardo and Airbus.

The modernisation comes as NATO takes delivery of the first of five Global Hawk drones, which will be based in Italy.

After years of delays, the high-altitude drones made by Northrop Grumman give the alliance its own spy drones for the first time and will work with the AWACS to protect ground troops, as well as other tasks.

The drones will be able to fly for up to 30 hours at a time in all weather, providing near real-time surveillance data.

(Reporting by Robin Emmott Editing by Mark Heinrich)

EgyptAir Adds More Boeing 787s to Fleet as Dreamliners Deliver 23% Fuel Boost

  • Egyptian flag carrier to lease two more 787-9 jets from leading lessor AerCap
  • Airline joins other operators in growing their Dreamliner fleet after achieving eye-opening fuel efficiency improvement

EGYPTAIR is growing its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet with an agreement to lease two more airplanes from AerCap, the airline announced today at the Dubai Airshow. The Egyptian flag carrier unveiled it had selected the super-efficient airplane to modernize its fleet during the last Dubai Airshow in 2017.

The carrier began operating the 787-9 this year, deploying the Dreamliner on new direct flights from its hub in Cairo to Washington, D.C., and other cities. EGYPTAIR says the 787s have delivered on the Dreamliner’s promise of unmatched efficiency, providing a 23-percent reduction in fuel consumption compared to the airplanes they replaced.

“The Boeing 787 Dreamliner has outperformed our expectations, helping us significantly reduce our fuel use and emissions, while bringing comfort to our passengers,” said Ahmed Adel, chairman and CEO of EGYPTAIR Holding Company. “We look forward to growing our network with additional 787-9 airplanes and flying more passengers to their destinations at an affordable cost.”

To maintain its fleet of 787’s, the carrier also announced agreements with Boeing this week that would provide EGYPTAIR with global access to critical aircraft components, including a Landing Gear Exchange and Quick Engine Change kit solutions.

EGYPTAIR joins other 787 operators in expanding its commitment to the Dreamliner program after experiencing the airplane in revenue service. More than half of all 787 customers have placed repeat orders for the airplane, helping the Dreamliner become the fastest-selling widebody airplane in history. The biggest 787 customer is Dublin-based AerCap with 117 airplanes owned and on order. AerCap will lease a total of eight 787’s to EGYPTAIR.

Speaking at the Dubai Airshow, AerCap CEO Aengus Kelly said, “AerCap is very proud to continue to support EGYPTAIR’s widebody fleet renewal program and sustainable growth ambitions. We thank our friends and partners at EGYPTAIR for their continued confidence in AerCap and we look forward to working with the EGYPTAIR and Boeing teams as these aircraft deliver.”

 “EGYPTAIR has shown a strong commitment to growing its business in a sustainable and profitable manner and we are thrilled that the 787 Dreamliner is helping the airline realize their vision. There is no better endorsement of the 787’s efficiency, range and passenger comfort than an operator returning for more aircraft,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales & Marketing, The Boeing Company. “Of course, this would not be possible without AerCap and its market-leading portfolio that gives carriers great flexibility in operating an optimized fleet.”

At 63 meters (206 feet) long, the 787-9 can fly 296 passengers, in a typical two-class configuration, up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kilometers). The airplane is 6 meters longer than the original Dreamliner and is capable of carrying 48 more passengers with increased range. The 787 Dreamliner family has won more than 1450 orders from over 80 customers on six continents.

Boeing, Biman Bangladesh Airlines Announce Order for Two 787-9 Dreamliner Jets

  • Dreamliner family pivotal to airline’s strategy of operating a modern fleet
  • Biman pilots begin using Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X to access mobile charts, navigational information to increase situational awareness

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Nov. 17, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Biman Bangladesh Airlines (Biman) announced today at the 2019 Dubai Airshow that the carrier is expanding its 787 Dreamliner fleet with two additional airplanes valued at $585 million at list prices.

The purchase – recorded in October as an unidentified order on Boeing’s website – complements Biman’s fleet of 787-8 jets with the larger and longer-range 787-9 variant. The national flag carrier of Bangladesh says the addition of the 787-9 will help modernize its fleet and expand its international network. 

“One of our key priorities is to have a modern fleet with technologically-advanced airplanes that will enable us to expand our international reach,” said Air Marshal Muhammad Enamul Bari, Former Chief of Air Staff, Chairman Board of Directors, Biman Bangladesh Airlines. “While we have a good domestic network, we plan to extend our international network to include more destinations in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The 787 with its technological superiority, excellent operational performance and passenger experience will enable us to achieve that goal,” he added.

The 787-9 is part of a three-member family that offers long range and unmatched fuel efficiency in the 200 to 350 seat market. For Biman Bangladesh, the 787-9 can carry 298 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and fly up to 7,530 nautical miles (13,950 kms) while reducing fuel use and emissions by up to 25 percent compared to older airplanes.

“Biman Bangladesh is showing us the powerful potential of the Dreamliner family. Just last month, the airline launched a new non-stop flight from its hub in Dhaka to Medina, Saudi Arabia. It’s a great example of the 787-8 serving as a ‘market opener.’ And now, Biman adds the 787-9 which brings more seats, more range and more cargo-carry capability for the routes that need it. The two will form a profitable network solution for Biman,” said Stan Deal, president and chief executive officer, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

Boeing also provides services that help Biman operate more efficiently. As part of a multiyear agreement, the airline’s pilots this year began using the Jeppesen Flite Deck Pro X electronic flight bag (EFB) platform to access mobile charts and navigational information, increasing their situational awareness on the ground and in the air.

Since entering service in 2011, the 787 family has enabled the opening of more than 250 new point-to-point routes and saved more than 45 billion pounds of fuel. Designed with the passenger in mind, the 787 family delivers an unparalleled experience with the largest windows of any commercial jet, large overhead bins with room for everyone’s bag, comfortable cabin air that is cleaner and more humid and includes soothing LED lighting.

French Navy Received First Two “Standard 6” ATL2’s

(Saint-Cloud, October 29, 2019) – This summer, Lann-Bihoué French naval air station received the first two ATL2 maritime patrol aircraft upgraded by Dassault Aviation.

Last week, Florence Parly, Minister of the Armed Forces, flew on one of these aircraft.

These two events demonstrate the progress made on the upgrade program which is designed to modernize the ATL2 combat system to standard 6.

The contract for the upgraded (standard 6) ATL2 combat system was awarded by the defense procurement agency DGA on October 4, 2013. The program covers a fleet of 18 aircraft. Dassault Aviation will deliver a further five upgraded ATL2s in the period 2020-2023. In parallel, the SIAé aeronautical maintenance center will upgrade 11 aircraft.©  Dassault Aviation – C. Cosmao

Standard 6 includes:

  • new radar: Thales Search Master with active antenna,
  • new Thales acoustic subsystem to gather and process signals from the latest-generation air-dropped sonobuoys for submarine detection,
  • new navigation console designed by Dassault Aviation,
  • new consoles for the tactical display subsystem, developed by SIAé.

The upgrade work is performed by Dassault Aviation and Thales (co-contractors), in association with Naval Group and in cooperation with SIAé. Architect of the combat system, Dassault Aviation is as well responsible for development of the core system including LOTI software designed by Naval Group. Dassault Aviation is also in charge of overall integration of all subsystems.

All the specifications for this program were established using the PLM Systèmes tool as part of a Dassault Aviation-Thales-Naval Group-SIAé collaborative work platform installed at St-Cloud in the Dassault Aviation design office.

The standard 6 upgrade will improve the ATL2s’ capability to support the Strategic Ocean Force, to deal with modern threats (future nuclear or conventional submarines, naval forces at sea, etc.) and to support air-land missions, until 2030.

France is one of the very few countries producing high-technology maritime patrol aircraft combining detection (optronics, radar, acoustics) with a variety of weapons (anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, laser-guided weapons).

“This expertise as an architect of maritime patrol solutions, both for the platform and for systems integration, is the result of experience dating back to the late 1950s and the launch of the ATL1 program, the predecessor of the ATL2. Dassault Aviation has extended this experience, from the 1970s onwards, with the maritime surveillance Falcons, the latest version of which is the Falcon 2000 MRA-based Albatros program. As we have shown once again with the standard 6, this maritime patrol/maritime surveillance expertise builds largely on the trust and the excellent working relations between our company, the DGA and the French Navy, to which I express my sincere gratitude. We will leverage this know-how to prepare together maritime patrol solutions beyond 2030”, declared Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

Alstom to supply 42 Metropolis trains for Barcelona Metro

(from left to right): Sergio Boya, Alstom Spain, Miguel Angel Martin, Director, BCN trains Manufacturing Site, Maria Rosa Alarcón Montañés, Chair TMB, Gerardo Lertxundi Albéniz, Chief Executive Officer TMB

A contract worth over €260 million in Spain 

7 October 2019 – Alstom has signed a contract with Barcelona Metro operator TMB (Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona) to supply 42 Metropolis trains to replace those currently running on lines 1 and 3 of the network. The contract[1], valued at over €260 million, includes the design, manufacturing and commissioning of the trains. The five-car trains will be manufactured in Alstom’s Barcelona site and delivered to TMB within two and a half years. 

“Alstom is honoured by this sign of confidence from TMB. The expertise and innovation capabilities of our teams are fully mobilised to support the plan to modernise Barcelona Metro for the benefit of passengers. Carrying over 400 million passengers per year, the Barcelona network is one of the most efficient and modern in Europe. With our trains, we aim to help TMB in the development of efficient and sustainable mobility that responds to the current and future needs of all passengers,” said Gian Luca Erbacci, Senior Vice President of Alstom in Europe. 

“With the withdrawal of the oldest fleet, we accelerate a process of renovation that will increase service reliability, sustainability and passenger comfort in two of our most frequented Metro lines, in a context of maximum demand for the collective transport of Barcelona, upon the entry into force of the low-emission zone.  This is the most important rolling stock acquisition in the history of TMB,” said Rosa Alarcón, President of TMB, during the signature of the contract.

According to the specifications, the new Metropolis trains will meet strict sustainability criteria; light structure, low energy consumption, high levels of recoverability and recyclability, technical reliability and ease of maintenance. The trains will also be equipped with remote sensors for optimal maintenance. 

Alstom also puts the passenger at the heart of its design process. The trains for Barcelona will be built with the comfort of passengers in mind, offering accessibility, wide doors and spaces to facilitate passenger flow, acoustic comfort, vibration mitigation and passenger information in real time. Both external an internal design features will remain faithful to the TMB brand but will also add new visual elements that reflect the identity of Barcelona, ​​such as graphics on the doors that represent Barcelona’s urban landscape. 

The new trains for Barcelona will benefit from the experience and reliability of Alstom’s Metropolis range, currently in circulation on lines 9 and 10 of the Barcelona Metro, incorporating innovative technological solutions and meeting TMB’s requirements in terms of reliability, availability, safety and comfort.  Alstom has more than 65 years’ experience in the production of metros, having sold over 17,000 metro cars operating in 55 cities worldwide and carrying 30 million passengers every day. 

[1] Booked in Q2 of current fiscal year

Boeing, China Airlines Finalize Order for Six 777 Freighters

Carrier to modernize its freighter fleet with six of the world’s largest, most capable twin-engine freighters

SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2019 /PRNewswire/ — China Airlines finalized its agreement with Boeing [NYSE: BA] to order six 777 Freighters to modernize its cargo fleet. The carrier, which currently operates one of the world’s largest 747 Freighter fleets, plans to transition to the largest and longest range twin-engine freighters in the industry as it launches operations from Taipei to North America, a key market that provides higher yields for the carrier.

Valued at $2.1 billion according to list prices, China Airlines had previously announced its intent to order up to six 777 Freighters at the Paris Air Show in June. Three of the six 777 Freighter orders were confirmed in July and posted to Boeing’s Orders and Deliveries website as an unidentified customer. The remaining three will post during the next update.

The versatile 777 Freighter can fly long-range trans-Pacific missions in excess of 6,000 nautical miles with 20 percent more payload than other large freighters like the 747-400F. The airplane, which is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 102 tons, will allow China Airlines to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes. As a result, it will provide China Airlines and other operators with the lowest trip cost of any large freighter and deliver superior ton-per-mile economics. In addition, the 777 Freighter features market-leading capacity for a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck. This allows for lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

“Air cargo is an important part of our overall business and the introduction of these new 777 Freighters will play an integral role in our long-term growth strategy,” said China Airlines Chairman Hsieh Su-Chien. “As we transition our freighter fleet to the 777Fs, this will enable us to deliver world-class services to our customers more efficiently and reliably.”

China Airlines, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, currently operates 51 Boeing airplanes, including 10 777-300ERs (Extended Range), 19 Next-Generation 737s, four 747-400s and 18 747 Freighters.

“As China Airlines celebrates more than half a century of success, Boeing is honored to continue playing an integral role in its growth and expansion. With this order China Airlines will join an elite group of global air cargo operators operating new 777 Freighters,” said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for The Boeing Company. “With the global air freight market forecasted to double over the next 20 years, the 777 Freighter’s market-leading capabilities and economics will help China Airlines extend their network and grow their future cargo business.”

The addition of 777 Freighters will enable the carrier to streamline maintenance and parts for its 777 fleet. The carrier uses a number of Boeing Global Services solutions to support its Boeing fleet operations, including Airplane Health Maintenance and Maintenance Performance Toolbox. These data-driven platforms track real-time airplane information, providing maintenance data and decision support tools that allow technicians to quickly and correctly resolve issues. On the ground and in the air, China Airline’s entire fleet uses Jeppesen FliteDeck Pro and access to digital navigation charts to optimize performance and enhance situational awareness.

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