Hong Kong’s Greater Bay Airlines orders 15 Boeing aircraft, eyes 5 more, to hugely expand fleet of 3 leased planes ahead of launch of new and long-haul routes, business-class seats
- Agreement, estimated to be worth billions of Hong Kong dollars, aims to support airline’s international long-haul ambitions
- Stanley Deal, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says US aircraft giant fought off fierce competition from its European rival Airbus to win order
The agreement, estimated to be worth billions of Hong Kong dollars and signed on Friday, aims to support the airline’s international long-haul ambitions in addition to its focus on shorter flights between Asia-Pacific and mainland China. The new, spacious 737-9 planes, which can carry 200 passengers, will allow the company to offer business-class services.
The carrier said the planes, which has a range of 6,110km while reducing fuel use and carbon emissions by 20 per cent, would form the backbone of its future fleet, as it sought to expand from its current three Boeing 737-800 jets. The first new aircraft will be delivered next year, with the rest by 2027.
“The 737-9 will allow GBA to open new routes from Hong Kong with unmatched economics. The new order will bring fantastic growth opportunities,” chairman Bill Wong Cho-bau said.
At roughly US$52 million each, the order for the 15 737-9 MAX jets is estimated to be worth US$780 million to US$800 million, according to aviation expert David Yu.