Boeing, Xiamen Airlines celebrate airline's 100th airplane

By BA Staff

Boeing and Xiamen Airlines celebrated the 100^th airplane to join China's only all-Boeing carrier.

Formed in 1984 as China's first joint venture between CAAC and a municipal government, Xiamen Airlines started services in 1985 with two Boeing 737-200s serving three cities. The carrier has grown into China's sixth largest carrier serving 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes. With today's delivery of a Boeing 737-800, Xiamen Airlines' fleet now consists of 100 airplanes – 17 737-700s, 77 737-800s and six 757-200s.

Che Shanglun, President and Chairman of Xiamen Airlines said:

"Having an all-Boeing fleet is a key component in our growth strategy and our ability to achieve 26 consecutive years of profitability. With excellent reliability, operational efficiency and range, the Boeing airplanes enable us to expand our network internationally." 

As part of Xiamen Airlines' 12^th five-year plan ending 2015, the carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 136 airplanes, including six 787s.

Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes said:

"Xiamen Airlines is a valued customer of The Boeing Company and we are delighted to see the remarkable growth of Xiamen Airlines over the past 29 years. We look forward to continuing such a longstanding partnership by providing more value with our industry-leading products and services."

Boeing projects investments of nearly $800 billion in China for 5,580 new commercial airplanes to be delivered during the next 20 years. That would account for 16 percent of global demand, and reflects a requirement of nearly 200 single-aisle and over 60 twin-aisle airplanes each year on average.

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Xiamen Airlines finalizes orders for 6 787 Dreamliners

Chinese full service carrier Xiamen Airlines has finalized an order for six Boeing 787 Dreamliners that was initially announced in May of 2011. Find more details below.

Image Credit: Boeing

26th August 2013

Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Xiamen Airlines have finalized an order for six 787-8s. Originally announced by Xiamen Airlines in May 2011, the order is valued at $1.3 billion at list prices. 

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

As China's only all-Boeing fleet carrier, Xiamen Airlines has earned a profit for 27 consecutive years, one of the most consistently successful financial performances in the industry.

"Xiamen Airlines has been a dedicated operator of Boeing airplanes since it was established. We are honored to have earned the trust and confidence that such a longstanding partnership requires," said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales for Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "I believe the 787s will further strengthen Xiamen Airlines' network, providing their customers more travel options."

The airline's expanding international network currently focuses on southeast and northeast Asia. With the introduction of the 787 Dreamliners beginning in 2014, the airline plans to launch new long-haul routes from Fujian to Europe, North America and Australia. 

Xiamen Airlines currently operates a fleet of 97 airplanes, including 17 737-700s, 74 737-800s and six 757-200s. The flight network is comprised of 218 domestic routes and 26 international and regional routes.  The airline will take delivery of its 100th Boeing airplane in November 2013. 

Founded in 1984, Xiamen Airlines is headquartered in the coastal city of Xiamen in the province of Fujian. The area boasts a thriving and diverse industrial economy as well as a growing tourism market. 

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SkyTeam strengthens China dominance with addition of Xiamen Airlines

Image courtesy SkyTeam

SkyTeam, the global airline alliance, led by Delta, Air France-KLM, and Korean Airlines, today welcomed Xiamen Airlines as its 19th member

Xiamen Airlines, with its hubs in Xiamen, Fuzhou and Hangzhou, is the third member in the alliance from China, joining China Eastern and China Southern, and cousin China Airlines from across the straits, in Taiwan. These four members from the greater China region gives the alliance a significant dominance.

Founded in 1984, Xiamen Airlines, one of the world’s most profitable, having posted positive financial results for 26 consecutive years, is China's sixth largest airline carrying 15 million passengers, and is focussed on domestic and near China destinations like Macau, Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, Seoul and Kuala Lumpur.

The airline has announced plans to launch flights to Europe, North America and Australasia by 2014 after the introduction of the Boeing 787.

Xiamen Airlines has started rolling out SkyPriority, SkyTeam's priority airport services for SkyTeam Elite Plus, First and Business Class passengers worldwide, and has integrated its frequent flier program with all the other alliance airlines.

SkyTeam passengers will be able to fly on Xiamen Airlines flights as part of SkyTeam’s Go Round the World and Go Greater China passes.

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