China Airlines has finalized its agreement with Boeing to order six 777 freighters to modernize its cargo fleet.

The carrier, which currently operates one of the world's largest 747 freighter fleets, plans to transition to the largest and longest-range twin-engine freighters in the industry as it launches operations from Taipei to North America, a key market that provides higher yields for the carrier.

The flag carrier said the intent to acquire up to six 777F, valued at US$2.1 billion, was earlier announced at the Paris Air Show in June. Three orders were confirmed in July and posted to Boeing's Orders and Deliveries website as an unidentified customer.

China Airlines said the plane, which is capable of carrying a maximum payload of 102 tons (204,000 lbs), will allow the carrier to make fewer stops and reduce associated landing fees on these long-haul routes resulting in the "lowest trip cost for any large freighter and deliver superior ton-per-mile economics."

The 777F can fly long-range trans-Pacific missions in excess of 6,000 nautical miles with 20% more payload than other large freighters like the 747-400F.

It also features market-leading capacity for a twin-engine freighter, accommodating 27 standard pallets, measuring 96 inches by 125 inches (2.5 m x 3 m) on the main deck resulting to lower cargo handling costs and shorter cargo delivery times.

"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," said China Airlines chairman Hsieh Su-Chien. "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," he added.

Taiwan-based China Airlines currently operates 51 Boeing planes, including 10 777-300ERs, 19 Next-Generation 737s, four 747-400s and 18 747 Freighters.

 "With the global air freight market forecasted to double over the next 20 years, the 777 Freighters market-leading capabilities and economics will help China Airlines extend their network and grow their future cargo business," said Boeing senior vice president of commercial sales and marketing Ihssane Mounir.