787 order & Dash 9 rollout

Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines confirmed a long-awaited deal for six Boeing 787s.  The airline's parent, China Southern Airlines, said in May 2011 that it had signed a letter of agreement for the six aircraft, but the deal was held up pending approval from the Chinese government.  It is yet to be confirmed by Boeing but would bring the order book up to close on 940 aircraft with 73 delivered.

"We've confirmed the order.  The first jet will be delivered on July 25 next year", said Xiamen Airlines’ spokeswoman Shen Zikun.

Xiamen, is a member of the SkyTeam alliance, and is an all-Boeing aircraft operator.

It plans to use the 787s to launch long haul services from its home in Xiamen in south eastern China, one of the country’s fastest growing economic zones.  Business and leisure passengers will be able to bypass the main gateways of Beijing, Guangzhou, Hong Kong and Shanghai. 

On Saturday (24 August 2013) Boeing rolled out the first Dash 9 stretched aircraft.  On time this is due to go into service with Air New Zealand mid 2014. www.boeing.com/commercial www.xiamenair.com/cn/en

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