China Airlines has taken delivery of the world’s first Boeing-branded 777, incorporating branding elements from both companies to celebrate the manufacturer’s 100th anniversary.
China Airlines now has 10 777-300ERs in its fleet.
“We are delighted to celebrate 100 years of Boeing by working together with Boeing to accomplish the first co-branded livery 777-300ER,” said Steve Chang, vice president of corporate planning at China Airlines. “This is our 10th 777 from Boeing and since our first 777 entered into service in 2014, we have been exceedingly satisfied with its outstanding performance which was further affirmed by our happy passengers.”
China Airlines took delivery of a 747-400 with a similar blue Boeing livery in 2004, but that aircraft has been repainted back into the normal China Airlines livery.
“The Boeing Company is truly honoured to celebrate yet another milestone delivery with China Airlines,” said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “It is fitting that the first co-branded 777 is delivered to China Airlines, especially as Boeing celebrates its centennial this year. The airplane is the perfect symbol of our enduring 50+ years of partnership.”
According to China Airlines, the new aircraft is scheduled to start flying its Frankfurt, Los Angeles, New York and San Francisco routes later this month.
The carrier is also scheduled to start taking delivery of its 14 Airbus A350-900s from July 2016.