Boeing, China Airlines celebrate delivery of world’s first co-branded 777

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KUALA LUMPUR: Boeing and China Airlines celebrated the delivery yesterday of the world’s first co-branded 777 at a ceremony in Everett, US, marking the carrier’s 10th 777-300ER (Extended Range).

In a statement yesterday from Everett, China Airlines’ Vice President of Corporate Planning, Steve Chang, said the airline was delighted to celebrate 100 years of Boeing by working together with it to accomplish the first co-branded livery 777-300ER.

“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,” he said.

In 2004, China Airlines became the first airline in the world to use Boeing’s co-branded livery on its latest 747-400.

That airplane was nicknamed the ‘Blue Whale’ by the airline and was the first co-branded twin-aisle airplane in the world.

In a statement, Ray Conner, President/Chief Executive Officer of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said Boeing Co was truly honoured to celebrate yet another milestone delivery with China Airlines.

“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 our enduring 50 plus years of partnership,” he said.

With this delivery, China Airlines now operates a fleet of 10 777-300ERs and continues to bolster its long-haul routes to the North American and European markets.

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 14,490 kilometres.

China Airlines, headquartered in Taoyuan, 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. — Bernama