Boeing has delivered its 2,000th aircraft to a Chinese operator – a 737 MAX for Xiamen Airlines.
The US aircraft manufacturer said the milestone and the pace at which it was reached reflect the accelerating growth in the world’s largest commercial aviation market.
Boeing delivered its first 1,000 aircraft to Chinese airlines over four decades. The next 1,000 Boeing jets have now been delivered over the past five years. The rapid pace continues as one in four Boeing-made commercial aircraft goes to a Chinese operator, either through direct purchase or lease.
The Boeing Company’s senior vice president of commercial sales & marketing, Ihssane Mounir said: “We are deeply honored to have achieved this delivery milestone in close partnership with our great partners in China. Our long-standing industrial relationship in this market has been mutually beneficial, fueling significant growth in Boeing’s business, the U.S. economy, and the Chinese aviation industry.
“We are grateful for the trust and confidence of great customers like Xiamen Airlines. Our teams are focused on supporting them by designing and delivering the best airplanes and services in the industry.”
The new 737 MAX delivered today sports a special logo commemorating the milestone. It is the eighth MAX aircraft to join fast-growing Xiamen Airlines, which operates the largest all-Boeing fleet in China with more than 200.
Xiamen Airlines chairman, Che Shanglun added: “In our 34-year history of operations, Xiamen Airlines has steadily grown, doubling our fleet size over the past five years and achieving profits for 31 years in a row. Throughout that time, Boeing has been a valued partner in our growth and expansion by providing safe and reliable airplanes.”
Xiamen Airlines is one of Boeing’s more than 30 commercial customers in China. In all, Boeing-made aircraft comprise more than half of the greater than 3,000 jetliners flying in the country.
China’s commercial fleet is expected to more than double over the next 20 years. Boeing forecasts that China will need 7,690 new aircraft valued at $1.2 trillion, by 2038.
