Xiamen Airlines enters long-haul era with Dreamliner
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Xiamen Airlines has taken delivery of its first ever Boeing 787 Dreamliner, as it looks to spread its wings further afield.
The Chinese airline, which is based in the southeastern province of Fujian, is planning to use the brand new aircraft to launch its first ever long-haul services to Europe, North America and Australia.
“We are excited to receive our first 787 Dreamliner which is also the first wide-body airplane of our all-Boeing fleet,” said Che Shanglun, president & chairman of Xiamen Airlines. “With the innovative technology and exceptional efficiency, the 787 Dreamliner will be key to our further growth and international expansion.”
Until last week’s delivery, Xiamen Airlines had operated a single-aisle fleet of more than 100 single-aisle B737s and B757s. But its route map extended only as far as cities in China and Taiwan, as well as key regional hubs such as Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.
The new B787s, which come equipped with 237 seats in three classes, will usher in a new long-haul era, following the airline’s entry into the SkyTeam alliance in late 2012.
In total, Xiamen Airlines has ordered six B787-8 Dreamliners, and becomes the third Chinese airline to operate the aircraft after China Southern Airlines and Hainan Airlines. These new jets form part of the airline’s plan to expand its fleet to 150 aircraft, from the current 106.
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