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Xiamen Airlines finalises order for six new Dreamliners

27 Aug 2013 by Clement Huang

Xiamen Airlines has finalised an order with Boeing for six B787-8 Dreamliners. Originally announced in May 2011, the plan was held back pending approval from the Chinese government, which took over two years. At list price, the order is valued at US$1.3 billion.

The Chinese carrier operates an all-Boeing fleet, and will be introducing the new aircraft in 2014. Whilst the airline’s international network currently focuses on Southeast and Northeast Asia, it also intends to launch new long-haul routes to Europe, North America and Australia.

“Adding 787s to our all-Boeing fleet is a strategic decision to facilitate our international expansion plans," said Che Shanglun, president and chief executive of Xiamen Airlines. "The range and efficiency of the 787 makes it an ideal fit in our new, non-stop international routes."

According to a report by Reuters, the airline expects to take delivery of its first Dreamliner on July 25 next year. There is no confirmed seating configuration at this time.

Xiamen Airlines intends to use the 787 from its base in Fujian, one of China’s fastest-growing areas. The delivery of the 787 coincides with the new fourth terminal at Gaoqi International Airport, which is scheduled to open in 2014 (see here).

Currently, most long-haul flights from China to Europe and America go through Beijing, Shanghai or Guangzhou. By operating the 787 from Fujian, this would establish the region as an aviation hub, and widen China’s gateway to the rest of the world.

For more information, visit www.xiamenair.com

Clement Huang

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