China Southern Airlines receives first 787

Boeing announced (31-May-2013) the delivery of a 787 to China Southern Airlines. China Southern is the first Chinese carrier to take delivery of a 787. The carrier has an additional nine 787-8s on order. Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said: "Today's 787 delivery represents a significant new milestone in the strengthening partnership between Boeing and China. We thank the Chinese government agencies, China Southern and all our Chinese customers, and suppliers for their support and contributions to the success of the Dreamliner programme."

China Southern President Tan Wangeng said the carrier's first 787 will undergo three days of trial flights before commencing its first commercial operation on 06-Jun-2013, operating on the Guangzhou-Beijing sector (Yicai, 03-Jun-2013). Mr Tan said the aircraft will be used to operate international services from Guangzhou to Paris, Vancouver, London and Auckland in the future. [more - original PR] [more - original PR - II]