Air China becomes country’s first customer taking delivery of 787-9

Air China is ushering in a new era in commercial aviation as they become the first Chinese customer to take delivery of the 787-9 Dreamliner. This is the first of fifteen 787-9 Dreamliners for Air China and soon Hainan Airlines and Xiamen Airlines will be flying the 787-9.

“787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and a wide application of composite materials,” said Captain Wang Yingnian, Chief Pilot of Air China.“It enjoys clear advantages such as low consumption, low emission and low noise, which are highly aligned with the green flying idea that Air China has long been an advocate of.”

“We are very honored that 787-9 Dreamliner became one of the members of Air China’s national flag carrying fleet,” said Ihssane Mounir, Commercial Airplanes vice president of Northeast Asia Sales.

Last month, China Eastern Airlines announced the purchase of 15 787-9 Dreamliners valued at nearly $4 billion. The announcement brings the total number of China’s Dreamliner orders close to 100. All of the “big four” Chinese airlines (Air China, China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines and Hainan Airlines) are 787 customers and Xiamen Airlines, an all Boeing fleet carrier, is also a member of the 787 customer club.

 “We believe that 787-9 will be the backbone of Air China’s international long-haul routes and will play an important role to support Air China’s international development strategy.” Added Captain Wang.