Taiwan's China Airlines eyes A330 replacement, future freighter options

Taiwan's China Airlines is "actively" looking at options to replace its ageing fleet of 22 Airbus A330 widebodies and is also starting to examine next-generation freighter planes, the company's president told Reuters. The carrier, which has been profitable during much of the pandemic because of a shift to cargo services, is now starting to gear up for a rebound in passenger travel when Taiwan lifts quarantine rules for arrivals. China Airlines is looking to phase out its A330s, a mainstay on regional routes, as it modernises its fleet to reduce emissions and cut its fuel bill, President Kao Shing-Hwang said. "We are actively studying our options for the A330 fleet's successor," he said on Thursday. "China Airlines has invited a number of manufacturers to submit their proposals." He declined to comment on the timing of the planned order and the types under consideration.<br/>