China Airlines Secures Airbus A350-1000 Order After Board Approval

Taiwan’s China Airlines has made a significant move by placing a firm order for five additional Airbus A350-1000 widebody jets. This decision was approved by the board in November 2025.

On December 18, 2025, Airbus confirmed this order, which is in addition to a prior purchase of ten A350-1000 aircraft made in March 2025.

Current Fleet Composition

China Airlines operates a fleet including 15 Airbus A350-900s. With the arrival of the new A350-1000s, the total A350 fleet will expand to 30 aircraft.

Commitment to Passenger Experience

Kao Shing-Hwang, Chairman of China Airlines, stated, “Our investment in the A350-1000 supports our international growth strategy and reflects our commitment to enhancing the travel experience for our passengers. We believe that the A350-1000, known for its outstanding range, fuel efficiency, and comfort, will be pivotal in transforming our long-haul operations.”

Future Fleet Plans

In a disclosure submitted to the Taiwan Stock Exchange in November 2025, China Airlines outlined a fleet plan that involves acquiring up to 18 new Airbus and Boeing widebody aircraft while retiring four 747-400 freighters.

This strategic plan includes the purchase of five A350-1000s, five Boeing 777-9s, four 777-8 freighters, and two 777 freighters. The estimated total cost of this acquisition is projected to be no more than $7.852 billion.

A Milestone for Airbus

Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales for Commercial Aircraft, remarked, “We welcome China Airlines to our growing family of A350-1000 operators. As an early adopter of the A350-900, they have pioneered the use of advanced aviation technology. By selecting the A350-1000 Long Range Leader, the most advanced long-haul aircraft available, China Airlines continues to enhance its fleet while prioritizing efficiency and passenger comfort.”

Long-Haul Operations

The new A350-1000s are set to service long-haul routes to North America and Europe, complementing the existing A350-900 fleet.

Global Demand for the A350 Family

The A350 family has garnered over 1,360 orders from 60 customers across the globe, with more than 640 aircraft currently operational in the fleets of 38 operators, predominantly flying on long-haul routes.

Key Features of the A350-1000

Notably, the A350-1000 is approximately seven meters longer than the A350-900, and depending on the cabin layout, it can accommodate an extra 60 passengers.

Is your travel experience about to change with these exciting developments in long-haul aviation?