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Ruili Airlines has agreed terms with Boeing on an order for six 787-9s which will be the Chinese carrier's first widebodies.
The manufacturer says the order will be posted on its Orders & Deliveries website once all contingencies are cleared. However, Boeing Commercial Airplanes chief executive Ray Conner stresses that these contingencies relate only to government approvals, and that all commercial terms have been finalised.
Ruili's intent to order the Dreamliners was first disclosed in May at a ceremony marking its two-year anniversary.
"With our base in Yunnan province, Ruili Airlines is positioned to help build Yunnan as the gateway between southwest China and the rest of the world," says Ruili chairman Ma Zhanwei.
He adds that Ruili's first 787-9 delivery is scheduled for 2021. London is one of the new locations being considered for the aircraft, and North America is another option. The engine selection has yet to be made.
Flight Fleets Analyzer shows that Ruili operates six 737-700 and three 737-800 narrowbodies. Intending to become an exclusive Boeing operator, Ma says, the carrier also has ordered 14 737NGs and 37 737 Max jets.
The airline is to expand its fleet to 70 aircraft by the end of 2025, notes Boeing.
Source: Cirium Dashboard
