Hong Kong Carrier Gets First B737-800

CR Airways in Hong Kong took delivery of its first 737-800 on Thursday -- the first 737-800 delivery to any Hong Kong-based carrier.

CR Airways plans to use the airplane on a new route between Hong Kong and Tianjin. The airline has set September 25th as the date for the aircraft's maiden flight.

CR Airways operates out of Hong Kong to airports in China, Southeast Asia and the Philippines. Boeing claims the airline plans to add Boeing's single-aisle and wide-body jets to its fleet as it adds more regional international routes.

Boeing's Vice President for China Sales Rob Laird says, "We look forward to working closely with CR Airways as its enlarges its fleet and operations while providing its passengers with airplanes that combine superior operating economics and passenger appeal."

The 737-800 boasts up to 189 passenger seats and, Boeing claims, can fly 260 nm farther with consuming seven percent less fuel than its competitors.

Boeing claims 450 orders for the model in 2006 with 3300 total orders as of August 31st for so-called Next-Generation 737 orders from 100 different customers.

CR Airways has been in operation since 2001. According to a release on their site, they plan to operate an "all new Boeing B737-800 fleet," with ten aircraft in operation by the end of next year. They plan to expand operations adding routes to North and South Korea, Japan and Viet Nam.

FMI: www.boeing.com, www.crairways.com