BEIJING: Building a strong fleet is seen as one of the most important strategies in a carrier's growth.

To seek its competitive edge in the global airline market, Air China is pressing ahead with its plan to introduce wide-bodied airliners to its fleet and make its fleet more efficient, so as to improve overall operational efficiency, cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.

According to an unnamed source of the carrier, talks are underway between Air China and Boeing/Airbus on buying new airliners and exchanging used airliners for new ones, including A350 and B787s.

Air China is China's only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance member. By a fleet of 256 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Air China runs 245 routes, serving 30 countries and regions. The carrier's strong network is able to place 1,172 destinations in 181 countries within its reach.