China Airlines Cuts Airbus A350, A321neo Orders in Fleet Strategy Shift

TAIPEI — Taiwan's China Airlines has scaled back its Airbus fleet expansion plans, cutting orders for eight aircraft from prior commitments. The carrier reduced its A350-900 orders from five to three aircraft and lowered A321neo commitments from eight to two, citing strategic factors in the revision announced in June 2025.

The adjustment reduces the estimated value of the A350-900 program to $1.2 billion, down from nearly $2 billion originally projected. Despite the Airbus cuts, the airline has approved substantial additional expansion including Boeing 787s and A350-1000s. Chairman Kao Shing-Hwang said the carrier is retaining older aircraft longer to manage capacity crunches driven by lengthy lead times and supply chain bottlenecks at both manufacturers.

Delays in Boeing 787 deliveries, now expected by 2026 rather than 2025, further necessitated the strategy recalibration. The revision reflects broader industry challenges, including engine supply disruptions affecting production rates. While demand remains strong for Asia-Pacific travel, China Airlines emphasized that new acquisitions are required for long-term operational development to enhance long-haul competitiveness.