787

Chinese carrier Hainan Airlines has taken the delivery of its wide-body, twin-engine Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which is the first of ten airliners the carrier has on order.

The carrier has become the second carrier in China to take delivery of the technologically advanced and fuel-efficient Dreamliner.

In June, China Southern Airlines received the first of its ten 787s on order.

Hainan Airlines will initially operate the Dreamliner on a domestic route from Beijing to Haikou and will later deploy it on North American routes with several new destinations.

Hainan Airlines vice-chairman Mu Weigang said: "The 787 will allow Hainan Airlines to open new routes from Beijing to North America and provide our unique ‘Eastern-style’ five-star in-flight experience for global passengers."

Boeing Commercial Airplanes North East Asia sales senior vice-president Ihssane Mounir said: "We appreciate the confidence Hainan Airlines has shown in Boeing and I’m sure the 787’s game-changing efficiency and flexibility will support Hainan Airlines to increase its competitive position in the global aviation marketplace."

The 787 for Hainan Airlines features six full, flat-bed business seats configured in rows of two-two-two, as well as 177 economy seats in rows of three-three-three.

"The 787 will allow Hainan Airlines to open new routes from Beijing to North America."

Hainan Airlines is one of only seven airlines with a five-star rating by UK-based Skytrax and is the fourth largest carrier in China in terms of fleet size.

The airline currently operates 106 Boeing aeroplanes in its fleet and offers scheduled domestic and international services on 500 routes from Beijing, Haikou and other operating bases in China, while providing charter services.

The 787 Dreamliner is made of lightweight composite materials instead of aluminium in the fuselage and wings. It features advances to systems, the engine and aerodynamic capabilities.

According to Boeing, the aircraft is capable of flying long-haul routes, uses 20% less fuel and is less expensive to maintain compared with the rival aircraft in the segment.


Image: The new 787 is Hainan Airlines’ first of the ten aircraft on order. Photo: courtesy of Boeing.

Defence Technology