EVERETT, Wash., 1 June 2013. Boeing (NYSE:BA) has delivered a 787 Dreamliner to China Southern Airlines, which has become the first Chinese airline to take delivery of the airliner.
This delivery is the first of 10 Dreamliners ordered by China Southern, the tenth customer worldwide to take delivery of the 787 Dreamliner. China Southern will first operate the 787 on domestic flights before introducing the Dreamliner on its long-haul international passenger service.
"Today's 787 delivery represents a significant new milestone in the strengthening partnership between Boeing and China," says Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We thank the Chinese government agencies, China Southern and all our Chinese customers, and suppliers for their support and contributions to the success of the Dreamliner program."
Exclusive Boeing suppliers Chengfei, Hafei, and Shenfei play important roles in the 787 program, manufacturing the 787 rudder, wing-to-body fairing, and vertical fin leading edge, says a spokesperson. Chinese partners also play increasing roles in supplying components to other current Boeing commercial airplane models, including the 737, 747, 767, and 777. Today, more than 7,000 Boeing airplanes fly around the world with major parts and assemblies from China.
