Boeing has delivered a VIP-configured Boeing 767-300ER to the Chinese air force for head of state and government transport duties.
The General Electric CF6-80C2-powered twinjet was bought off Boeing's Seattle production line and had been due for delivery to Delta Air Lines, say industry sources. The VIP cabin interior is understood to have been installed in the USA before the aircraft's delivery to Beijing.
The sources say the aircraft will be operated by China United Airlines, which is managed by the Chinese air force. China United plans to take delivery of a second 767 next year, say the sources.
Boeing confirms it has delivered a 767 to an unidentified customer but declines further comment.
China United operates domestic presidential and VIP flights using four narrowbody 737-300s, which suggests the recently delivered 767 twinjet may be used only within China. An Air China 747-400 is usually taken out of airline service and reconfigured for overseas presidential state visits when required.
China United also operates civilian passenger flights with its fleet of 16 Tupolev Tu-154s and has been earmarked to receive 10 optioned Tu-204-100s as part of a recent trade deal between China and Russia.
Under the agreement, five Rolls-Royce RB211-535-powered Tu-204 freighters equipped with western avionics will be delivered to China Northwest and China Southwest Airlines. The 10 optioned aircraft are to be fitted with Russian Perm PS-90A engines and Russian avionics.
China's signing of an order for some 40 more 737s for the country's airlines has been delayed following the 11 September terrorist attacks in the USA.
Source: Flight International