What Happened
Taiwanese Carrier Expands A350 Fleet with Long-Range Widebody
China Airlines has placed a firm order for five more Airbus A350-1000 widebody aircraft, following board approval in November 2025. The order is in addition to a previously signed contract for 10 A350-1000s. The airline already operates 15 A350-900s and will bring the entire A350 fleet to 30 once the new A350-1000s arrive. The new aircraft will fly long-haul routes to North America and Europe. The total value of the package will not exceed $7.852 billion. Airbus confirmed the order on December 18, 2025, and the airline’s Chairman, Kao Shing-Hwang, expressed confidence in the A350-1000’s capabilities. The order is part of China Airlines’ fleet plan to acquire up to 18 new Airbus and Boeing widebody jets and retire four 747-400 freighters. The airline has been an early adopter of the A350-900 and is now expanding its fleet with the A350-1000 Long Range Leader. The aircraft’s superior efficiency and comfort will complement existing A350-900 operations and enhance the airline’s long-haul travel experience. This is reported by AeroTime.