Airbus secures fresh A350-1000 order from China Airlines

December 19, 2025 in Companies, Travel & Tourism by Editor

China Airlines has placed a follow-on order for five A350-1000 aircraft, reinforcing Airbus’ widebody momentum and highlighting airlines’ continued focus on fuel efficiency, sustainability and long-haul competitiveness.

Airbus has booked another long-haul widebody order after Taiwan’s China Airlines confirmed a firm purchase of five additional A350-1000 aircraft, strengthening the carrier’s commitment to the type as it upgrades its intercontinental fleet.

The latest order lifts China Airlines’ total A350-1000 commitments to 15 aircraft. The jets will complement the airline’s existing fleet of 15 A350-900s, which are currently deployed across its long-haul network.

China Airlines chairman Kao Shing-Hwang said the additional aircraft support the carrier’s long-term growth and fleet modernisation plans, particularly on long-haul routes where efficiency and passenger comfort are increasingly critical.

The A350-1000 is positioned as the largest and longest-range variant of the A350 family, capable of flying up to 9,800 nautical miles (18,000 kilometres) nonstop. Airbus says the aircraft delivers around a 25 percent improvement in fuel burn, operating costs and carbon emissions compared with previous-generation widebody aircraft, driven by advanced aerodynamics, extensive use of lightweight materials and Rolls-Royce Trent XWB engines.

From the manufacturer’s perspective, the follow-on order reinforces the A350-1000’s standing among network carriers seeking to balance capacity growth with sustainability and cost discipline.

Airbus commercial aircraft sales executive vice president Benoît de Saint-Exupéry said the decision by China Airlines underlines continued confidence in the aircraft’s performance, range and cabin offering as airlines recalibrate long-haul operations in a competitive market.

The A350 also plays a central role in Airbus’ sustainability roadmap. All A350 aircraft are already certified to operate with up to 50 percent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), with the manufacturer targeting full SAF capability across its commercial aircraft portfolio by 2030.

By the end of November 2025, the A350 family had accumulated close to 1,500 orders from 66 customers worldwide, reflecting sustained demand for new-generation widebody aircraft as international travel continues to recover and expand.