China Airlines Continues Fleet Renewal with 777-300ERs

The Taiwan-based carrier ordered 10 777-300ERs in 2012 and has taken delivery of four of them, to replace its ageing 747-400s.

China Airlines' 777-300ER features a three-class configuration with 358 seats, including 40 seats in premium business class, 62 seats in premium economy class, and 256 seats in economy class. It also features the new "Family Couch" concept that converts 10 rows of three economy class seats into flat beds.

The airline expects to expand its presence in the U.S. with the new aircraft. On December 1, China Airlines flew its 777-300ER to Los Angeles for the first time. The airline has started operating its 777-300ER on Taipei-New York route from Feb. and plans to deploy the next generation aircraft on flights to San Francisco from September.

The Boeing 777-300ER is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul jet. Compared to similar aircraft models, it weighs 19% less and represents a 22% reduction in carbon emissions. Equipped with the next generation GE90-115BL engine, the 777-300ER aircraft was designed for energy efficiency. Each 777-300ER plane will save China Airlines an estimated NT$300 million a year.

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