Hainan Airlines and Boeing celebrate delivery of carrier's first 787-9

Hainan Airlines and Boeing celebrated (08-Jun-2016) the delivery of Hainan Airlines' first 787-9 aircraft, with the carrier becoming the first operator of both the 787-8 and 787-9 variants in China. Hainan Airlines leased the aircraft through an agreement with Air Lease Corporation. The delivery is also the first 787-9 to ALC, which has 15 additional 787-9s on order. Hainan Airline vice chairman Mou Weingang said the 787-9 will be a great addition to its long-haul fleet, adding it "will accelerate our market position internationally." Hainan Airlines is the largest 787 operator in China with 10 787-8s already in service. The first 787-9 will be deployed on a new route from Beijing to Las Vegas from Sep-2016. [more - original PR]