Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
China Airlines Approves 7.85 Billion Modernization Plan for Fleet
China Airlines invests US$7.85B to upgrade fleet with Airbus and Boeing aircraft, retiring older 747 freighters and enhancing cargo and passenger operations.
On November 26, 2025, the board of directors at China Airlines, Taiwan’s largest carrier, officially approved a substantial capital expenditure plan aimed at revitalizing its fleet. This strategic move involves a total investment capped at approximately NT$246 billion (US$7.85 billion). The decision marks a pivotal moment for the airline as it seeks to modernize both its passenger and cargo operations through a diversified acquisition strategy involving both Airbus and Boeing aircraft.
We observe that this acquisition is not merely about expansion but represents a calculated effort to replace aging airframes with next-generation technology. The approved plan includes the purchase of 16 new widebody aircraft and a significant investment in spare engines. By splitting the order between the two major aerospace Manufacturers, China Airlines appears to be mitigating supply chain risks while optimizing its fleet for specific long-haul and high-capacity routes.
Concurrently, the airline is accelerating the retirement of its older fleet. The board has authorized the disposal of four Boeing 747-400F freighters, signaling the end of the four-engine era for the carrier’s cargo division. This transition underscores a broader industry trend toward twin-engine efficiency and sustainability, positioning China Airlines to better compete in the post-pandemic global market.
The core of this Investments lies in the acquisition of 16 widebody aircraft, split evenly between passenger and cargo needs, as well as between Airbus and Boeing platforms. On the passenger side, the airline has committed to purchasing five Airbus A350-1000s and five Boeing 777-9s. The A350-1000 will complement the carrier’s existing A350-900 fleet, offering increased capacity and range for long-haul operations. Meanwhile, the Boeing 777-9, the latest iteration of the 777 family, is intended to replace older widebody jets, likely the aging 777-300ERs, ensuring the airline maintains a competitive edge in cabin comfort and operational efficiency.
regarding the cargo division, the board approved the purchase of six freighters to bolster Taiwan’s status as a global logistics hub. This includes four Boeing 777-8Fs and two Boeing 777Fs. The inclusion of the 777-8F is particularly notable; as a next-generation freighter, it promises higher payload and range capabilities compared to current models. The two standard 777Fs will likely provide immediate capacity to address current market demands while the airline awaits the certification and delivery of the newer 777-8F variants.
To support these new airframes, the investment plan also covers the procurement of spare engines valued at approximately US$229 million. This procurement includes one Rolls-Royce Trent XWB-97 engine for the Airbus fleet and three GE Aerospace GE9X engines to support the incoming Boeing 777X aircraft. Securing these assets upfront is a prudent measure to ensure operational reliability and minimize downtime once the new aircraft enter service.
The split-order strategy allows China Airlines to mitigate delivery delays and leverage the specific strengths of both Airbus and Boeing platforms for different route profiles.
As new technology enters the fleet, older assets are being phased out. A critical component of the November 26 announcement is the disposal of four Boeing 747-400F freighters. These iconic “Queens of the Skies” have served as the backbone of global cargo logistics for decades, but their four-engine configuration makes them less fuel-efficient compared to modern twin-engine alternatives. The shift to the 777 freighter family represents a significant upgrade in terms of fuel economy and maintenance costs.
We can confirm that buyers have already been secured for half of the aircraft slated for disposal. Cargolux, the Luxembourg-based cargo carrier, has agreed to purchase two of the 747-400Fs. The transaction value for these two aircraft is estimated at NT$1.25 billion (approximately US$260 million). This sale not only generates immediate capital for China Airlines but also facilitates a smoother transition to a more sustainable fleet structure. Negotiations regarding the sale of the remaining two 747-400Fs are currently ongoing. The successful offloading of these assets is crucial for the airline’s modernization goals. By replacing these older jets with the incoming 777F and 777-8F models, China Airlines is effectively lowering its carbon footprint per ton of cargo while maintaining the high capacity required to service major trade routes between Asia, North America, and Europe.
The approval of this NT$246 billion investment plan signifies China Airlines’ robust confidence in the future of international travel and commerce. By balancing orders between Airbus and Boeing, the carrier is hedging against supply chain volatility, a lesson likely learned from recent industry-wide Deliveries delays. The introduction of the A350-1000 and 777-9 will elevate the passenger experience, while the modernized cargo fleet ensures the airline remains a dominant player in global logistics.
Looking ahead, the operational integration of these mixed fleets will be the next major challenge. However, the long-term benefits of improved fuel efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, and increased payload capabilities present a strong business case. As the 747-400Fs depart for their new homes with Cargolux, China Airlines is clearly positioning itself for a leaner, more efficient future.
Question: What is the total value of China Airlines’ new fleet investment? Question: Which aircraft models is China Airlines purchasing? Question: What is happening to the older Boeing 747-400 freighters? Sources: Taiwan News
China Airlines Approves Major Fleet Modernization Plan
Acquisition Breakdown: Passenger and Cargo Fleets
Strategic Disposal of the 747-400F Fleet
Concluding Section
FAQ
Answer: The board approved a capital expenditure budget of approximately NT$246 billion (US$7.85 billion).
Answer: The Airlines is acquiring 16 aircraft in total: 5 Airbus A350-1000s, 5 Boeing 777-9s, 4 Boeing 777-8Fs, and 2 Boeing 777Fs.
Answer: China Airlines is selling four 747-400Fs. Two have already been sold to Cargolux for approximately NT$1.25 billion, while negotiations for the remaining two are ongoing.
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
India to Purchase $80B Boeing Aircraft in $500B US Trade Deal
India plans to buy up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft within a $500 billion trade pact with the US, including tariff reductions and energy diversification.
This article summarizes reporting by CNBC and Priyanka Salve, alongside official government statements and AirPro News analysis.
In a landmark development for global aviation and trade, India has announced plans to purchase up to $80 billion in Boeing aircraft as part of a broader strategic partnership with the United States. According to reporting by CNBC, India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, confirmed that New Delhi expects to sign a formal trade deal with the U.S. in March 2026.
The aviation commitment is the centerpiece of a massive $500 billion trade pact intended to span the next five years. While the headline figure for Boeing jets stands between $70 billion and $80 billion, officials indicate that the total value of the aviation sector deal, including engines, MRO services, could exceed $100 billion.
This agreement signals a profound shift in India’s geopolitical and economic strategy, trading market access and energy realignment for relief from punitive U.S. tariffs.
The scale of the reported aircraft purchase underscores India’s position as the fastest-growing aviation market in the world. According to details shared by Minister Goyal and summarized by CNBC, the deal allocates a specific $70–$80 billion tranche for Boeing airframes.
Industry observers note that this figure likely aggregates the value of deliveries from existing record-breaking orders alongside new commitments. Air India, owned by the Tata Group, placed a historic order in 2023 for 470 aircraft (split between Boeing and Airbus) and finalized an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX jets in January 2026. Similarly, Akasa Air holds a substantial order book extending through 2032.
Boeing executives have previously confirmed plans to deliver approximately two aircraft per month to Indian carriers to meet surging travel demand. The inclusion of engines and aftermarket services pushes the total aviation package over the $100 billion mark, cementing the U.S. aerospace giant’s foothold in South Asia.
Contextualizing the Order Book: While the $80 billion figure is staggering, we believe it is crucial to interpret this as a “delivery value” commitment over the five-year pact rather than solely a new purchase agreement for unannounced jets. At current list prices (after standard discounts), $80 billion represents roughly 600 to 800 narrowbody jets or a significant mix of widebodies. Given Boeing’s current backlog constraints, fulfilling $80 billion in entirely new orders within five years would be logistically improbable. It is more likely that the Indian government is guaranteeing the execution and payment of the massive backlogs already held by Air India, Akasa, and potentially SpiceJet, framing these commercial milestones as diplomatic victories. Beyond aviation, the trade deal outlines a reciprocal reduction in trade barriers. The United States has agreed to slash tariffs on Indian imports from 50% to 18%, a move expected to boost Indian exporters. In exchange, India has committed to purchasing $500 billion in American goods and services over five years.
A critical component of the negotiations involves India’s energy procurement. Following the invasion of Ukraine, India became a primary consumer of discounted Russian crude. However, the new trade framework reportedly includes provisions for India to shift away from Russian energy.
U.S. President Donald Trump explicitly claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi agreed to stop buying Russian oil. However, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has maintained a more nuanced public stance. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that energy security remains the nation’s “supreme priority,” noting that India would diversify based on commercial viability. This includes potential resumption of imports from Venezuela and increased purchases from the United States.
“Energy security is the supreme priority [for India’s 1.4 billion citizens].”
— Randhir Jaiswal, MEA Spokesperson (via press briefing)
The trade deal has triggered sharp criticism within India. The opposition Congress party has characterized the agreement as a surrender of sovereignty, particularly regarding the pressure to alter energy partners and lower agricultural tariffs.
Opposition leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Jairam Ramesh have voiced concerns that the influx of U.S. agricultural products could harm local farmers, warning of potential protests similar to those seen in 2021. Minister Goyal has defended the pact, asserting that it protects sensitive sectors like dairy and agriculture while securing essential technology and energy partnerships.
When will the deal be signed? Is the $80 billion for new planes only? What does the U.S. offer in return? Will India stop buying Russian oil?
Breakdown of the $100 Billion Aviation Commitment
Commercial Implications
AirPro News Analysis
The Broader Strategic Trade Pact
The “Russian Oil” Pivot
Domestic Opposition and Political Fallout
Frequently Asked Questions
According to Minister Piyush Goyal, the formal trade agreement is scheduled to be signed in March 2026, following a joint statement expected in early February.
The figure likely represents a mix of new commitments and the value of deliveries from existing massive orders (like Air India’s 2023 deal) scheduled for the next five years.
The U.S. has agreed to reduce tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18%, significantly improving market access for Indian exporters.
While the U.S. President claims an agreement is in place, Indian officials state they are diversifying energy sources based on commercial viability and security, without explicitly confirming a total ban.
Sources
Photo Credit: Daily Shipping Times
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Jets to WestJet in 2026
CDB Aviation delivers three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet, increasing leased jets to 13 and supporting fleet growth for summer 2026.
This article is based on an official press release from CDB Aviation.
On February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation announced the successful delivery of three Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet. According to the official press release from the Irish subsidiary of China Development Bank Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., these deliveries mark the completion of a lease agreement originally announced in January 2024. The addition of these aircraft brings the total number of CDB Aviation-leased jets in the WestJet fleet to 13, reinforcing a strategic partnership that began in 2020.
The newly delivered aircraft are part of WestJet’s broader strategy to modernize its fleet and expand its network capacity for the 2026 summer schedule. By securing these airframes directly from CDB Aviation’s existing order book, WestJet has bypassed some of the manufacturing delays currently affecting the global aviation supply-chain. The airline continues to hold the largest narrowbody order book of any Canadian carrier.
The three Boeing 737-8s (commonly referred to as the MAX 8) were delivered on February 5, 2026. These aircraft were leased directly from CDB Aviation’s order book with Boeing, a mechanism that allows airlines to access capacity more quickly than through direct manufacturer orders in a constrained market.
According to data associated with the delivery, WestJet’s 737-8 fleet is typically configured to seat 174 passengers, split between 12 Premium seats and 162 Economy seats. The aircraft are equipped with satellite-supported Wi-Fi and in-seat power, aligning with the carrier’s focus on passenger connectivity. The 737-8 is powered by CFM LEAP-1B engines, which deliver approximately 15% greater fuel efficiency and a 40% reduction in noise footprint compared to the previous generation 737-800NG.
Both companies highlighted the strength of their ongoing relationship. Luís da Silva, Head of Commercial, Americas at CDB Aviation, emphasized the history between the two entities in a statement included in the release:
“We’ve built a strong partnership with the WestJet team since the inaugural transaction between our companies in 2020. To date, we have financed and leased a total of 13 737-8 aircraft which support this strong and growing Canadian airline.”
Jennifer Bue, Senior Vice President and Treasurer at WestJet, also commented on the significance of the delivery for the airline’s growth trajectory:
“CDB Aviation is a valued partner of WestJet. The relationship enables WestJet to continue our momentum driving our growth strategy.”
This delivery comes at a critical time for WestJet as the airline approaches a total fleet size of nearly 200 aircraft, including its subsidiaries. The additional capacity is slated to support an aggressive network expansion, including new international connections such as Toronto to Medellín, Colombia, and increased frequencies to sun destinations. The Role of Lessors in a Constrained Supply Chain
The delivery of these three aircraft highlights a vital trend in the 2026 aviation market: the increasing reliance on lessors to bridge the gap caused by OEM production delays. While manufacturers work to clear backlogs, lessors like CDB Aviation, who hold significant positions in the delivery queue, are becoming essential partners for airlines needing immediate lift. For WestJet, leasing directly from CDB’s order book allows them to circumvent the long wait times associated with direct orders, ensuring they can capitalize on the projected travel demand for the summer 2026 season. This transaction underscores that in the current climate, access to delivery slots is just as valuable as capital.
How many aircraft does CDB Aviation lease to WestJet? What is the primary benefit of the Boeing 737-8 for WestJet? When was this deal originally agreed upon?
CDB Aviation Delivers Three Boeing 737-8 Aircraft to WestJet
Transaction Details and Fleet Configuration
Aircraft Specifications
Executive Commentary
Strategic Implications for 2026
AirPro News analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
With the delivery of these three aircraft on February 5, 2026, CDB Aviation now leases a total of 13 Boeing 737-8 aircraft to WestJet.
The 737-8 offers significantly improved fuel efficiency (approximately 15% better than the 737NG) and a longer range (approx. 3,550 nm), allowing WestJet to operate routes like Western Canada to Europe or Toronto to South America more economically.
The lease agreement for these specific aircraft was originally announced on January 23, 2024.
Sources
Photo Credit: CDB Aviation
Aircraft Orders & Deliveries
De Havilland Canada Delivers Refurbished Dash 8-400 to TrueNoord
De Havilland Canada delivers an OEM refurbished Dash 8-400 to TrueNoord, leased to Nexus Airlines for regional routes in Western Australia.
This article is based on an official press release from De Havilland Canada.
On February 4, 2026, De Havilland Aircraft of Canada (DHC) announced the delivery of an OEM Refurbished Dash 8-400 to the specialist regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord. According to the company’s official statement, the aircraft is immediately being leased to Nexus Airlines, a regional carrier based in Western Australia.
This delivery underscores the growing importance of DHC’s OEM Certified Refurbishment Program. With the production of new Dash 8-400 commercial-aircraft currently paused, this program serves as a critical pipeline for operators seeking “like-new” turboprops to meet regional connectivity demands. The transaction, originally announced in September 2025, has now reached completion with the handover of the airframe.
The newly delivered aircraft will join the fleet of Nexus Airlines, a carrier launched in 2023 that serves remote and regional communities. Nexus currently holds an exclusive contract with the Western Australian Government to operate the Inter-Regional Flight Network (IRFN), connecting hubs such as Geraldton, Karratha, Port Hedland, and Broome.
In the press release, Nexus Airlines leadership emphasized that the acquisition aligns with their strategy to reinforce essential air services.
“This acquisition marks an important milestone in our fleet strategy… we are strengthening our commitment to providing reliable, community-focused air services in Western Australia.”
, Michael McConachy, Managing Director, Nexus Airlines
The Dash 8-400 is particularly well-suited for the vast distances of Western Australia, offering higher speeds and longer range compared to competitor turboprops. This capability allows Nexus to maintain efficient schedules across routes that often exceed 1,000 miles.
As the manufacturer evaluates a potential restart of the Dash 8 production line, the OEM Certified Refurbishment Program has become a primary vehicle for maintaining fleet relevance. Through this program, DHC acquires used airframes and upgrades them to current operational standards. These upgrades often include avionics modernization, cabin refurbishments, and life-extension works that can significantly prolong the airframe’s operational cycles. Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at De Havilland Canada, highlighted the program’s value proposition in the official release:
“Our OEM Refurbished Program delivers high-quality aircraft designed to meet the needs of growing regional operations, while providing exceptional value, performance, and reliability.”
, Ryan DeBrusk, VP Sales & Marketing, De Havilland Canada
For lessors like TrueNoord, the program offers a way to supply clients with reliable assets that carry manufacturer backing, mitigating the risks typically associated with older used inventory.
TrueNoord, a specialist lessor focused on the 50–150 seat regional aircraft market, continues to expand its portfolio of Dash 8-400s. This delivery follows their acquisition of a batch of aircraft from Nordic Aviation Capital in late 2023. By utilizing the refurbishment program, TrueNoord ensures that its assets remain competitive and reliable for operators in challenging environments like Australia and Africa.
Carst Lindeboom, Director Asia Pacific for TrueNoord, noted the confidence the lessor places in the manufacturer-led refurbishment:
“The OEM Refurbished Program ensures delivery of a Dash 8-400 that is both reliable and versatile, and we are confident it will enable our customer to deliver vital air services with confidence.”
, Carst Lindeboom, Director Asia Pacific, TrueNoord
The Bridge to Future Production
We observe that this delivery highlights a significant trend in the regional aviation sector: the “tightness” of the high-quality turboprop market. With no new Dash 8s rolling off the line since 2022 and a backlog for competitor aircraft like the ATR 72, operators are increasingly reliant on refurbishment programs to source capacity. While DHC has indicated that a decision regarding the restart of production (potentially in Alberta) could be made around the 2025/2026 timeframe, the Refurbishment Program effectively bridges the gap. It allows the OEM to maintain a commercial relationship with operators and lessors while preserving the asset value of the existing global fleet. For Nexus Airlines, securing a factory-refurbished unit provides operational certainty in a market where spare parts and reliable airframes are becoming premium commodities.
De Havilland Canada Delivers OEM Refurbished Dash 8-400 to TrueNoord for Nexus Airlines
Strengthening Regional Connectivity in Western Australia
The Role of the OEM Certified Refurbishment Program
Lessor Strategy and Market Context
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: De Havilland
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