One of Taiwan’s leading international carriers, China Airlines, took delivery of its first Boeing 777-300ER. It’s the first of ten, in the airline’s bid to upgrade its fleet and expand transportation capacity.
The airline will receive the second and third planes later this month and in November. The remainder will arrive by the end of 2016.
The Boeing 777-300ER is equipped with the most powerful jet engine in service. It is also about 19% lighter than other similar aircraft and is able to cut carbon emissions by 22%. China Airlines says that each aircraft is expected to help save the carrier about US$9.87 million dollars a year in costs.
At a delivery ceremony in Seattle, China Airline’s Chairman Sun Huang-hsiang said that the new aircraft mark a milestone in the carrier’s development. The airline has spent two years designing the interior décor, which it calls a “unique and beautiful oriental look.” The design features Song Dynasty style art, and the work of a poet from that period in history.