Boeing delivers its 2000th aircraft to China
Boeing is celebrating its success in the Chinese aviation market, with another milestone now complete: Delivering its 2000th aircraft to a Chinese operator.
Xiamen Airlines was the airline involved in this occasion, taking delivery of a Boeing 737 MAX 8 with a special decal showcasing the 2000th Boeing aircraft for China, which you can see in the image below.
It took over 40 years for Boeing to deliver 1000 aircraft to Chinese airlines, with the next 1000 being delivered in just five years. The rapidly growing aviation demand in China, and Asia in general, has lead to Boeing’s success, as well as Airbus, across all aircraft families. Today, 1 in 4 Boeing aircraft that roll out of assembly head to a Chinese operator.
Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing for Boeing, Ihssane Mounir, reflected on the achievement in the following statement to media:
“We are deeply honored to have achieved this delivery milestone in close partnership with out great partners in China. Our long standing industrial relationship in this market has been mutually beneficial, fueling significant growth in Boeing’s business, the U.S economy and the Chinese aviation industry.”
Focusing on Xiamen Airlines, he added:
“We are grateful for the trust and confidence of customers like Xiamen Airliines. Our teams are focused on supporting them by designing and delivering the best airplanes and service in the industry”
Xiamen Airlines, who is an all-Boeing operator, has a fleet comprised of 737 Next Generation aircraft, as well as the recent introduction of the 737 MAX, which will continue to enter in both MAX 8 and MAX 10 variants. For long-haul flying, a fleet of six 787-8 and six 787-9 Dreamliners provide the airline with cost-effective, fuel-efficient aircraft.
Additionally, Xiamen Airlines is also a customer of Boeing Global Services, which provides the airline with specialized maintenance and operation plans.
Che Shanglun, Chairman of Xiamen Airlines, also commented on the milestone:
“We are pleased to be a part of this historic delivery for Boeing and China. In our 34-year history of operations, Xiamen Airlines has steadily grown, doubling our fleet size over the past five years and achieving profits for 31 years in a row. Throughout that time, Boeing has been a valued partner in our growth and expansion by providing safe and reliable airplanes.”
Boeing states Xiaman Airlines is one of their 30+ customers operating in China. Statistics show that over 3000 aircraft operating in the country are Boeing aircraft. Going off the rapidly growing market China and Asia as a whole is seeing, Boeing predicts $1.2 trillion worth of aircraft are required to meet the demand – that’s over 7,690 aircraft by 2038.
As discussed in a previous article, which you can read here, China is a fundamental piece in the Boeing structure. Parts for all Boeing aircraft are supplied from China, and an agreement to extend this industrial partnership was recently signed in December to allow COMAC to complete exterior and interior processes for the 737 MAX.
Together with the cooperation of both sides, Boeing and China will continue to provide aircraft for the massive market as well compete for upcoming replacement cycles. The relationship between Boeing and China, whilst a little rough due to political reasons, has proven to be of huge value. Overall, Boeing’s activity in China is valued at more than $1 billion in economy activity.