Boeing signs pilot training deal with Hainan Airlines

Boeing has entered into a five-year pilot training agreement with Hainan Airlines to support the Chinese airline’s addition of the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet.

Under the latest deal, Boeing Flight Services, a division of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will extend the carrier’s existing contract for flight training at Boeing’s Singapore and Shanghai training campuses on three Boeing models including the Next-Generation 737, 767 and 787s.

Hainan Airlines 787 fleet manager Xing Tao said: "When I look back to our earlier experiences with Boeing in Seattle and Kunming, I realise how the business and technology has changed and how together, we have forged a great and enduring relationship."

According to the 2013 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, an industry forecast of required aviation staff, there will be a demand for 192,300 new commercial airline pilots and 215,300 new technicians in the Asia Pacific market through 2032.

Boeing Flight Services Customers Group director Bob Bellitto said: "Providing our training expertise at two global locations closest to the airline gives Hainan a competitive advantage we call the Boeing Edge."

Hainan Airlines currently has fleet of 118 Boeing aircraft, and serves scheduled domestic and international services on 500 routes from Beijing, Haikou and other operating bases on the mainland, and provides charter services.

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Image: Under the latest deal, Boeing Flight Services will extend Hainan’s contract for flight training at Boeing’s Singapore and Shanghai training campuses on three additional Boeing models. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.