Xiamen Airlines

Boeing has delivered a new 737-800 aircraft to China’s privately owned Xiamen Airlines, marking the all-Boeing carrier’s 100th aircraft.

As part of the airlines’ 12th five-year plan ending 2015, the carrier plans to raise its operational fleet to 136 jets, including six 787 aircraft.

Xiamen Airlines president and chairman Che Shanglun said: "With excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range, the Boeing airplanes enable us to expand our network internationally."

Xiamen’s current fleet comprises 17 737-700s, 77 737-800s and six 757-200s.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes North East Asia sales senior vice-president Ihssane Mounir added: "We look forward to continuing such a longstanding partnership by providing more value with our industry-leading products and services."

The 737-800 aircraft is a stretched version of the 737-700, and seats 162 passengers in a two-class design, or 189 in one class.

Boeing has projects investments of about $800bn in China for 5,580 new commercial aircraft to be delivered during the coming two decades, which accounts for around 16% of global demand.

Image: Currently, Xiamen Airlines’ all-boeing fleet comprises 17 737-700s, 77 737-800s and six 757-200s. Photo: courtesy of the Boeing Company.

Defence Technology