The cargo unit of China Southern Airlines has placed an order with Boeing for up to eight freighter aircraft including the manufacturer’s upcoming 777-8F.
On June 26, 2026, China Southern Airlines Cargo advised the Shanghai Stock Exchange in a regulatory statement that it had signed an agreement with Boeing for new jets.
The Chinese carrier announced it would purchase five Boeing 777-8Fs and two 777Fs, with an option for three more 777Fs in the future.
The deal represents the first time that a mainland China carrier has ordered a 777-8F and comes after US President Donald Trump visited President Xi Jinping in May 2026, to help improve trade relationships between the two superpowers.
“The list price of the 2 B777F aircraft and 5 B777-8F aircraft is approximately US$3.618 billion. If the purchase of the other 3 B777-8F aircraft is confirmed, the total will be approximately US$5.24 billion,” China Southern Airlines said in its regulatory statement.
The aircraft are scheduled for delivery to China Southern Airlines Cargo in batches between 2027 and 2034. The latest exercise date for the option to purchase three B777-8F aircraft is 36 months prior to delivery.
This transaction is subject to approval by the airline’s shareholders and will also require the nod from the relevant national authorities before it can officially take effect.
China Southern said that it was granted a “significant discount” and expects the cost of the transaction to be “lower than the listed price”.
The carrier will first pay a partial prepayment and then pay the remaining balance on the delivery date of each aircraft.
Driven by e-commerce surge
“The Board of Directors believes that the continued maturation of cross-border e-commerce and the accelerated pace of industrial upgrading overseas expansion, coupled with major national strategies such as the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative, provide broader development opportunities for the Company and China Southern Cargo Airlines,” the regulatory statement said.
The airline added that the “transaction will help enhance the profitability and core competitiveness” of the company.
China Southern Airlines currently operates eight Boeing 777 freighters, according to ch-aviation.