Chinese Carrier To Become Newest 787 Operator

An order for five 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $1.32 billion at current list prices, has been finalized between Boeing and Donghai Airlines.

Shenzhen-based Donghai Airlines announced its intent to order 25 737 MAX 8s and five 787-9 Dreamliners in July at the Farnborough International Airshow. Today's 787-9 order comes just weeks after the carrier finalized its 737 MAX 8 order last month.

"Donghai Airlines has undergone steady development over the past 10 years since the beginning of our freighter operations in 2006," said Wong Cho-Bau, Chairman, Donghai Airlines. "Under China's One Belt One Road initiative, we will accelerate our fleet expansion plan to satisfy the rapidly growing air travel market and help build our home base Shenzhen as the transportation hub in southern China. Introducing these new next-generation airplanes that deliver the industry-leading fuel efficiency and passenger comfort in their segment market will be a key effort for us to fulfill the plan."

Donghai Airlines started freighter operations in 2006. The carrier expanded to offer passenger services in 2014. Donghai Airlines currently has a fleet of 13 Boeing 737-800s serving for more than 10 cities across China. Donghai Airlines' fleet is expected to reach 15 airplanes by the end of this year.

(Source: Boeing news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.boeing.com