TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan’s oldest carrier China Airlines on Wednesday greenlit the purchase of 13 new aircraft in a push to modernize itself and expand service capacity.

The company’s board approved the acquisition of five Airbus A350-900 widebody jets for NT$57.12 billion (US$1.96 billion) or US$1.14 billion in lease right-of-use assets, per CNA. The aircraft are expected to strengthen the airline’s long-term operational flexibility and global competitiveness.

The airline will also acquire eight A321neo narrowbody aircraft to meet growing demand on regional routes. The first five planes will cost around US$240 million while pricing for the remaining three are still under negotiation.

China Airlines Chair Kao Shing-hwang (高星潢) said faster aircraft deliveries are crucial to the airline’s international competitiveness. He added that modernizing the fleet allows the airline to offer flat-bed business class seats and improved inflight meals, key features for winning over long-haul travelers.

The fleet upgrade aligns with the carrier’s broader strategy to phase out aging aircraft and reduce operating costs. The airline currently operates 15 A350-900 aircraft with an 18th A321 soon to arrive, per Reuters.