Boeing, Donghai Airlines Finalize Order for Five 787-9 Dreamliners

Chinese carrier to become newest 787 Dreamliner operator

Boeing, Donghai Airlines Finalize Order for Five 787-9 Dreamliners

Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Donghai Airlines announced today the finalization of an order for five 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $1.32 billion at current list prices.

SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 1, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Donghai Airlines announced today the finalization of an order for five 787-9 Dreamliners, valued at $1.32 billion at current list prices.

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."

"We are honored to welcome Donghai Airlines as our new 787 customer," said Ihssane Mounir, senior vice president, Sales, Northeast Asia, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 787-9 is a great addition to Donghai's single-aisle fleet, offering a superior passenger experience and comfort, exceptional efficiency and low operating costs

The 787-9 Dreamliner can fly 290 passengers up to 14,140 kilometers in a typical two-class configuration. The airplane will deliver unmatched fuel efficiency to Donghai airlines, enabling the carrier to expand the range and quantity of services on the long-haul market. The 787-9 leverages the visionary design of the 787-8, offering passenger pleasing features such as large, dimmable windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

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. With extended air route network, the Shenzhen-based carrier is making great efforts to build a modern medium-scale airline with high quality.

Donghai, Qingdao Airlines announce IPO plans

Donghai Airlines (DZ, Shenzhen) is planning to go public in May next year. China's WCARN news reports the carrier is seeking funds to aid its ambitious route and fleet expansion plans.

Founded in 2006, the Sichuan Airlines (3U, Chengdu) subsidiary currently operates five B737-300(F)s and six B737-800s on domestic passenger routes while cargo operations extend to the sub-region. As recently reported, Donghai plans to acquire a total of 120 aircraft by 2025 including B787-9s for long haul services as well as additional B737-800s and B737 MAX aircraft.

In related news, the recently privatized Qingdao Airlines (QW, Qingdao) has announced its own plans to pursue an IPO of its own, albeit in 2020. As with Donghai Airlines, Qingdao is in the process of rapidly expanding its fleet which is expected to reach 102 by the end of 2025. Currently, it operates six A320-200 (sl)s on flights to more than ten destinations throughout China. In addition to three more A320s due for delivery before year-end, Qindao also expects to add five A320s and eighteen A320neos from next year onwards.

ch-aviation
Photo:João Luis Pessoa - TLS

Donghai Airlines to Take Delivery of Four 737s in Second-Half

Shenzhen Donghai Airlines Co., Ltd. took delivery of the fifth Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport on Feb. 12.

Donghai Airlines (DZ) will take delivery of four Boeing 737 aircraft in the second half of this year, to meet traffic growth.

According to the statistics released from the airline, Donghai Airlines accumulated 1,605 aircraft movements and 330,000 passengers last year, with 7,338 hours of safe flying.

As its traffic grows, the Shenzhen-based airline will expand its fleet gradually, with six new 737-800 aircraft annually in the next few years. On Feb. 28, 2014, Donghai Airlines placed an order for 25 737-800 aircraft.

Currently, Donghai Airlines owns a fleet of 12 Boeing aircraft including seven 737-300 all-cargo freighters and five 737-800 passenger planes. According to the airline's fleet expansion plan, 4 more new 737-800 aircraft will join its fleet this year, expanding its fleet to 9 aircraft and providing more capacity for the airline.

The Shenzhen-based airline has been offering cargo services and corporate jet services since its establishment in 2002. The carrier received approval to provide scheduled passenger services in December 2013 and commenced domestic services from its hub at Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport to the cities of Ningbo and Dalian in March 2014.

wcarn

ILFC Leases Two Boeing 737-800s to Donghai Airlines

 LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC), a wholly owned subsidiary of American International Group, Inc. (NYSE: AIG), announced today that the company has entered into an agreement with Donghai Airlines Co., Ltd for the lease of two used Boeing 737-800 aircraft, which have already been delivered to the airline.
The aircraft are powered by CFM engines and their seating configuration comprises 8 first class and 159 economy class seats.
Photo: Weimeng -  Beijing - Capital - China - B737-800 - B-5313

China's Donghai Airlines orders twenty-five B737-800s from Boeing

Donghai Airlines says it has placed an order with Boeing for twenty-five B737-800s with plans to introduce six new aircraft every year over the next few years. The US manufacturer has yet to officially confirm the deal.

Chinese aviation site WCARN says the airline has also inked a deal with the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) to lease four B737-800s.
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Donghai Airlines - Embraer ERJ-135BJ Legacy - B-3799

Remo Garone - Geneva