B777-300ER for China Eastern Airlines

CHINA Eastern Airlines has taken delivery of its first B777-300ER, as part of a fleet renewal programme, writes Thelma Etim, deputy editor.

The new aircraft, which will support the airline’s growing presence in North America over the next three years, is the first of 20 it has ordered.

The airline plans to open new routes to North America, as well as boost frequencies on existing routes from Shanghai to Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Vancouver and Toronto. Starting in November, the carrier will deploy its first B777-300ER on services to Los Angeles and New York.

“We are delighted to introduce our first B777-300ER in China Eastern’s new look in celebration of the 10^th anniversary of the B777-300ER programme,” comments Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern.

“The delivery not only marks a milestone in the long-standing business relationship between China Eastern and Boeing, but also signals the modernisation of our world-class fleet and the enhancement of the competitiveness of our trans-Pacific routes.”

The B777-300ER is a perfect fit for China Eastern’s long-haul fleet insists Ray Conner, president and chief executive of Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

One of the three major airlines in mainland China, China Eastern currently runs a fleet of 500 long-haul and short-haul aircraft with an average age of less than seven years.