China Southern orders up to ten Boeing 777 family freighters

Dhaka: China Southern Cargo, the dedicated cargo division of Guangzhou-based China Southern Airlines, has placed an order for up to ten freighter aircraft from Boeing, including the manufacturer's upcoming 777-8F.

In a regulatory filing on June 26, the airline informed the Shanghai Stock Exchange that it had signed an agreement with Boeing for the new jets.

Under the arrangement, China Southern will purchase five Boeing 777-8Fs and two 777Fs, with an option for three additional 777-8Fs at a later date.

The deal marks the first time a mainland Chinese carrier has ordered a 777-8F, the freighter variant of Boeing's upcoming 777X, and follows a May 2026 visit by US President Donald Trump to Chinese President Xi Jinping aimed at easing trade tensions between the two nations.

China Southern said the list price for the two 777Fs and five 777-8Fs is approximately USD 3.618 billion, and it would rise to roughly USD 5.24 billion if the option for three more 777-8Fs is exercised.

Deliveries are scheduled in batches between 2027 and 2034. The option to purchase the additional three 777-8Fs can be exercised up to 36 months before delivery.

The transaction still requires approval from the airline's shareholders as well as clearance from relevant national authorities before taking effect.

The airline noted it received a significant discount and expects the final cost to come in below the listed price.

China Southern attributed the order to the continued growth of cross-border e-commerce and overseas industrial expansion, alongside national initiatives such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development and the Belt and Road Initiative, which it said offer broader growth opportunities for the company and its cargo arm.

The carrier added that the deal would strengthen its profitability and core competitiveness.