These Two Airlines Place Major Orders with Airbus and Boeing

In a spectacular move to modernize and expand their fleets, China Airlines and Pegasus Airlines have turned heads with significant aircraft orders from aerospace giants Airbus and Boeing.

These decisions mark a milestone in their strategic growth plans, as they aim to tackle rising passenger demand and increase operational efficiency. While China Airlines focuses on diversifying its long-haul fleet, Pegasus Airlines is doubling down on modernizing its single-aisle workhorses.

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China Airlines has chosen to diversify its next-generation, long-range fleet by ordering both the Boeing 777X and the Airbus A350. The airline has committed to 24 widebody aircraft, including 10 Boeing 777-9s, 10 Airbus A350-1000s, and 4 Boeing 777-8 freighters.

This fleet expansion is set to begin deliveries in 2029. As part of this overhaul, China Airlines plans to retire its relatively new Boeing 777-300ERs, which currently have an average age of just 10 years.

To complement its aircraft order, the airline has also invested in cutting-edge engine technology, securing four GE Aerospace GE9X engines for the Boeing 777X and three Rolls-Royce XWB-97 engines for the Airbus A350-1000.

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The total investment in these seven engines is estimated to reach $390.4 million, with individual engine costs capped at $59.2 million for the GE9X and $51.2 million for the XWB-97.

Meanwhile, Pegasus Airlines, Türkiye’s leading low-cost carrier, has made a historic move to grow and modernize its single-aisle fleet. Partnering with Boeing, the airline has placed a firm order for 100 737-10 jets with options for an additional 100 aircraft.

The largest model in the 737 MAX family, the 737-10, is designed to carry up to 230 passengers over a range of 5,740 kilometers while reducing fuel consumption and emissions by 20% compared to older models.

The 737-10’s operational efficiency and flexibility will enable Pegasus Airlines to serve more passengers on more routes, maintaining the lowest cost per seat of any single-aisle airplane. This move also continues the airline’s 35-year legacy with Boeing, complementing its existing fleet of Next-Generation 737s to meet surging travel demand.