China Airlines has finalised an agreement with Boeing to order six 777 Freighters to modernise its fleet.

The deal, worth $2.1 billion at list prices was announced at the Paris Air Show in June and will replace older 747 Freighters. The 777s can fly long-range trans-Pacific and has a range of 6,000 nautical miles with a 20% higher payload than freighters including 747-400Fs.

Hsieh Su-Chien, chairman of China Airlines says: “Air cargo is an important part of our overall business and the introduction of these new 777 Freighters will play an integral role in our long-term growth strategy. As we transition our freighter fleet to the 777Fs, this will enable us to deliver world-class services to our customers more efficiently and reliably.”

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing for The Boeing Company says: “With the global air freight market forecasted to double over the next 20 years, the 777 Freighter’s market-leading capabilities and economics will help China Airlines extend their network and grow their future cargo business.”