Boeing and China Airlines today celebrated the delivery of the airline's first 777-300ER (Extended Range). The new airplane is the first of 10 777-300ERs that the Taiwan's flag carrier plans to introduce in the coming years.

"The introduction of the Boeing 777-300ER fleet is an important milestone for China Airlines," said China Airlines Chairman Huang-Hsiang Sun. "Over the past two years, China Airlines has taken a broad new approach and philosophy to cabin design. In addition to enhancing safety and fuel efficiency, China Airlines is making a pioneering move in the airline industry to incorporate Taiwan's cultural creativity into its cabin interior. I am confident that this will leave a lasting impression on passengers and enhance our competitiveness."

China Airlines will introduce a new, state-of-the-art cabin interior onboard its 777-300ER designed by award-winning Taiwan architect Ray Chen. The airline configured its 777-300ER to seat 358 passengers in a three-class layout highlighted by the new "Family Couch" seats in economy class, where three seats convert into a flat surface for rest and relaxation.

"China Airlines has been a valued Boeing customer for over 50-years and we are honored to celebrate the milestone delivery of their first 777-300ER," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President & CEO Ray Conner. "The airline's new 777-300ER represents the beginning of a new era for China Airlines and the people of Taiwan. As the many Boeing models before it, we are confident that the 777-300ER will continue to help China Airlines open up new markets and expand its horizons, as they continue to achieve tremendous success."

China Airlines will launch operations of their first 777-300ER to Hong Kong in October and will eventually introduce the airplane on transpacific routes, connecting Taipei with major cities in North America, including Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

The Boeing 777 is the world's most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER is equipped with the world's most powerful GE90-115B commercial jet engine, and can travel, with a standard three class configuration, a maximum range of 7,825 nautical miles (14,490 kilometers).

Headquartered in Taoyuan, China Airlines is the largest carrier in Taiwan with a Group fleet of nearly 90 airplanes. The airline currently serves more than 13 million passengers annually to over 118 destinations across the globe.

Contributed by Boeing