China Airlines Places Year's Largest Boeing 747-400 Order

The Boeing Company today confirmed China Airlines' order announcement for 10 Boeing 747- 400s, valued at approximately $2 billion at list prices.

The order consists of six 747-400 passenger airplanes and four  747-400 Freighters. The first airplane is scheduled for delivery  in July 2003. The airplanes have been previously included on the  Commercial Airplanes' Orders and Deliveries Web site, attributed to an unidentified customer.

"The 747 has greatly contributed to the expansion of China Airlines' services to its passengers and cargo customers," said Philip Wei, president, China Airlines. "With the 747-400's proven performance and continued excellence, not only will our passengers experience an even more enjoyable and comfortable flight, but our cargo operation can expand while maintaining efficiency, fleet simplification and competitiveness."

The Boeing 747 is the world's most renowned airplane family and has long been the model against which all others are compared. Passengers prefer its spaciousness, comfort and speed on long-haul trips, and airlines around the world select the 747 family for its operational efficiency.

The 747-400 Freighter has no peer among currently produced cargo  airplanes. More than 80 747-400 Freighters are in service worldwide today, operated by the world's leading air cargo carriers. The 747-400 Freighter can carry 124 tons (113,000 kilograms) of cargo up to 4,450 nautical miles (8,240 kilometers).

In all its versions, the world's fleet of 747 Freighters -- nearly  250 in all -- carry almost half of the world's freighter air cargo. As a freighter, the 747 was instrumental in the development of today's air cargo marketplace.

"In expanding its intercontinental operation, we are pleased that China Airlines has decided to standardize their long-haul fleet with the Boeing 747-400," said Larry Dickenson, senior vice president, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales. "Being a long-time partner to China Airlines' prosperity, all of us at Boeing are thrilled to be part of its on-going growth. We look forward to working with China Airlines for years to come."

China Airlines currently owns 38 Boeing jetliners - 13 747-400 passenger airplanes, 12 747-400 Freighters, two 747-200 Freighters, and 11 737-800s; and serves 40 destinations in 20 countries.