First Widebodies To Be Ordered By The Yunnan-Based Carrier

An order for six 787-9 Dreamliners has been finalized between Boeing and Ruili Airlines. The order, valued at $1.59 billion at current list prices, represents the first widebody order for the Yunnan-based carrier.

Ruili Airlines first announced an intent to order the six 787-9 Dreamliners in May at the ceremony for the airline's two-year anniversary. 

"With our base in Yunnan province, Ruili Airlines is positioned to help build Yunnan as the gateway between Southwest China and the rest of the world," said Ma Zhanwei, Chairman, Ruili Airlines. "The right size, long range, competitive fuel efficiency, as well as passenger appealing edge of the 787-9 make it an ideal fit in facilitating our international expansion plans."

Established in February 2014, Ruili operates a fleet of nine 737 airplanes on 16 domestic routes with 46 daily departures. The start-up carrier plans to expand its fleet to 70 airplanes by the end of 2025. 

"The 787-9 would complement Ruili Airlines' narrowbody fleet and enable them to operate long-haul services to destinations as far as America and Europe, while providing the latest and most advanced technology in passenger comfort," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Ray Conner.

The order will be posted on Boeing's Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared.

(Image provided with Boeing news release)

FMI: www.boeing.com