Xiamen Airlines 787-8

China’s privately owned Xiamen Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787 Dreamliner, becoming the third carrier in the country to operate the variant.

The new aircraft is part of Xiamen Airlines’ total of six 787s on order.

The carrier plans to deploy the 787 long-haul routes from its Fujian province base to Europe, North America and Australia.

Xiamen Airlines president and chairman Che Shanglun said: "We are excited to receive our first 787 Dreamliner which is also the first widebody airplane of our all-Boeing fleet.

"With the innovative technology and exceptional efficiency, the 787 Dreamliner will be key to our further growth and international expansion."

"The carrier plans to deploy the 787 long-haul routes from its Fujian province base to Europe, North America and Australia."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes North East Asia Sales senior vice-president Ihssane Mounir said: "We look forward to strengthening our partnership with Xiamen as the airline continues to expand its global long-haul fleet."

Boeing said it will provide a comprehensive suite of support and services, including flight training, aeroplane health management, electronic charts and navigation data, and maintenance performance toolbox, to support Xiamen Airlines’ 787.

The airline intends to expand its fleet to 150 aircraft, as part of its 12th five-year plan ending 2015.

Established in 1984, Xiamen Airlines is a joint venture of Civil Aviation Administration of China and municipal government of the city of Xiamen. It operates flights to 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes.


Image: Xiamen Airlines’ 787-8 on an earlier test flight. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology