Boeing Commercial Airplanes announced a $960-million order from China Xiamen Airlines to deliver 10 Next-Generation 737-800 jets. The jet builder indicated it would post details of the order “once all contingencies are cleared.”
Xiamen Airlines was the first privately owned airline in the People’s Republic of China, in service since 1985. In addition to destinations across China, it has routes serving Bangkok, Hong Kong, Kaohsiung, Kuala Lumpur, Phuket, Seoul, Sydney, and Tokyo. It recently added service to Amsterdam, and is due to add routes to Melbourne and Vancouver in the coming months.
It is China’s only “all Boeing” carrier, with a fleet of 135 aircraft that includes 17 737-700s, 108 737-800s, four 757-200s, and six 787-8 Dreamliners. Currently, Xiamen has orders booked with Boeing for 70 new 737-800s, 30 737MAX jets (the new design scheduled to supplant the 737 Next Generation), and six 787-8 Dreamliners.
The 737-800 is one of four variants of the current Next Generation version of Boeing’s 737 single-aisle aircraft, the best selling aircraft family of all time. The 737-800 aircraft seats 162 passengers in a two-class layout, or 189 passengers in single class set-up.
"The 737-800 is the best-selling version of the highly successful Next-Generation 737 family," stated Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Northeast Asia Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are pleased to see the 737-800 continues to play an important role in Xiamen Airlines' fleet expansion."
