Boeing and China Eastern Airlines have celebrated the delivery of the 1,000th Boeing airplane for China, one of the world’s most dynamic markets for commercial airplanes.
Boeing forecasts that China will need 5,260 new airplanes, valued at $670 billion, in the next 20 years.
“We take great pride in the partnership that Boeing and China have shared for more than 40 years.
“Boeing greatly values China as both a customer and a supplier partner,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes president Ray Conner.
“This delivery symbolizes the tremendous accomplishments we have achieved together along with the significant trust and confidence that Chinese airlines have placed in Boeing’s products and services.
“Boeing is committed to advancing our partnership with China for decades to come.”
The 1,000th airplane, a Next-Generation 737-800 with the Boeing Sky Interior painted in special peacock livery, will join China Eastern Yunnan Airlines.
China Eastern currently operates the largest 737 fleet among Chinese airlines.
“We’re pleased to be part of this historic delivery for Boeing and China,” said Tang Bing, vice president of China Eastern Airlines.