China Southern Airlines Cargo has placed an order with Boeing for up to eight widebody freighter aircraft, including the manufacturer’s next-generation 777-8 Freighter (777-8F), becoming the first mainland Chinese airline to commit to the new cargo aircraft.
In a regulatory filing submitted to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on 26 June 2026, the airline confirmed that it has signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase five Boeing 777-8F aircraft and two Boeing 777 Freighters (777F). The agreement also includes an option to acquire three additional 777-8F aircraft, subject to future confirmation.
Based on Boeing’s list prices, the initial order is valued at approximately US$3.62 billion, while the total value could increase to around US$5.24 billion if the airline exercises its option for the additional three aircraft. China Southern Airlines Cargo, however, stated that it had secured a significant discount from Boeing and expects the final acquisition cost to be considerably lower than the published list price.
Deliveries of the new freighters are scheduled to take place in phases between 2027 and 2034. The airline will have until 36 months before the scheduled delivery dates to decide whether to exercise its option for the additional aircraft.
The transaction remains subject to approval from the airline’s shareholders as well as the relevant Chinese regulatory authorities before it becomes effective.
According to the airline, payment for the aircraft will be made through an initial pre-delivery payment, with the remaining balance settled upon delivery of each aircraft.
China Southern Airlines Cargo said the investment is driven by the continued expansion of cross-border e-commerce, increasing international industrial activity and major national initiatives such as the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative. The airline believes these developments will create significant long-term growth opportunities for its cargo business.
The carrier also stated that the fleet expansion will strengthen its profitability, improve operational efficiency and enhance its competitiveness in the global air cargo market.
According to industry fleet data, China Southern Airlines Cargo currently operates eight Boeing 777 Freighters. The addition of the new-generation 777-8F aircraft will modernise the airline’s freighter fleet while providing increased payload capability, improved fuel efficiency and lower operating costs.
From an MRO perspective, the introduction of the Boeing 777-8F into service will create new opportunities for maintenance providers, component suppliers and engine support organisations as airlines prepare to support the next generation of widebody freighters. The fleet expansion is also expected to drive future demand for specialised maintenance capabilities, digital support solutions and long-term aftermarket services across the cargo aviation sector.
