Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] today delivered to China Airlines a unique 747-400 featuring a distinctive blended paint design and the Boeing Signature Interior.

The exterior of China Airlines' 14th 747-400 combines the airline's plum blossom tail image with Boeing's new blue commercial airplane livery. The award-winning interior is designed to make passengers as comfortable as possible on intercontinental flights. The cabin features ambient lighting and larger overhead stowage bins that open downward for convenient loading. It also has a high ceiling that provides passengers a roomier, open environment.

"The 747 has greatly contributed to the expansion of China Airlines' services to its passengers," said Chiang Yao-Chung, chairman, China Airlines. "With the 747-400's proven performance and continued excellence, our passengers will experience an increasingly enjoyable and comfortable flight, with optimal operational efficiency and reliability."

"In expanding its intercontinental operation, we are pleased that China Airlines has standardized its long-haul fleet with the Boeing 747-400," said Larry Dickenson, senior vice president -- Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We at Boeing are thrilled to continue as China Airlines' partner and look forward to our long future together."

Passengers worldwide prefer the 747's spaciousness, comfort and speed on long-haul trips, and airlines prefer its operational efficiency.

Through the end of 2004, China Airlines will own 41 Boeing jetliners -- 14 747-400 passenger airplanes, 15 747-400 Freighters, and 12 737-800s -- serving 48 destinations in 22 countries. In addition, the airline leases one MD-11.

The airplane delivered on December 7 replaces a 747 that China Airlines sold back to Boeing for use as the second of three Large Cargo Freighters (LCF). The LCF will be used to transport major assemblies for the Boeing 7E7 Dreamliner from suppliers worldwide to the Boeing plant in Everett, Wash., where the Dreamliner will be built.