Air China confirms delivery of first 787-9, outlines schedules

Air China confirmed (19-May-2016) delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 aircraft on 18-May-2016, which also marks the first 787-9 to be delivered to a Chinese customer. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Beijing on 20-May-2016 and enter service from 26-May-2016. Air China's 787-9 is configured with 293 seats in a three-class layout, with 2-2-2 layout in business class and 3-3-3 in both premium economy and economy classes. Air China has 15 787-9s on order, with all aircraft expected to be delivered by 2018. The carrier announced the following planned schedules for the 787-9:

• Beijing-Chengdu: Inaugural operation on 26-May-2016 on CA4102/05;
• Beijing-Shanghai: On CA1519/20 and CA1549/50 on 27-May-2016;
• Beijing-Guangzhou: On CA1301/2 and CA1315/6 on 01-Jul-2016;
• Sanya-Beijing-Frankfurt: Operate daily from 15-Jul-2016;
• Beijing-Rome: Operate daily from 01-Aug-2016. [more - original PR - Chinese]