Air China – First Chinese Carrier to Sign Agreement for Boeing 747-8 Intercontinentals

7 March 2011, Hong Kong – As I spend my last day in the Pullman Oceanview Sanya Bay Resort and Spa, China, Air China signed an agreement with Boeing to purchase five 747-8 Intercontinental jetliners, making it the first Chinese carrier to do so.  However, the agreement still requires the approval of the Chinese government.

The flag carrier of the People’s Republic of China will be using the airplanes to expand its international routes.  The new 747-8 Intercontinental features a new wing design with an upgraded flight deck and can accommodate 467 passengers in a three-class configuration.     Incorporating the features from the 787 Dreamliner, passengers get a greater sense of space and comfort from the new curved, upswept architecture.   With more room for personal belongings, passengers now do not need to jostle for more space for the hand-carry.   With the lighting technology in the new aircraft, passengers will enjoy smooth transitions for a more restful flight.

The new aircraft uses 787-technology GEnx-2B engines which will be quieter, produce lower emissions and achieve better fuel economy. It also increases cargo volume by 26 percent.

“Air China has been operating 747s since the 1980s,” said He Li, vice president of Air China. “The new, high capacity Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental will deliver exceptional economics and a great flying experience to our customers.”

“The technologically advanced 747-8 Intercontinental will deliver improved operating economics, efficiency and environmental performance in support of Air China’s continued growth,” said Marlin Dailey, vice president of Sales & Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Air China has become one of the fastest growing airlines in the world and today is one of the world’s largest carriers.  We’re proud to be part of their success and look forward to continuing our long and enduring partnership.”

Related articles

• Video: new Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental being put together (gadling.com)
• Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental ‘green’ jumbo jet hits the runway (dailymail.co.uk)
• Boeing unveils 747-8 Intercontinental w/ bash (abclocal.go.com)
• Boeing’s 747-8 Intercontinental Unveiled (cbsnews.com)

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