News
Tianjin tweaks London launch, Air China places Recaro order
April 8th 2016
HNA Group subsidiary Tianjin Airlines will launch its first long-haul service on June 25 with a twice-weekly Tianjin-Chongqing-Gatwick flight. Read More » It was previously understood that the new service would run three times a week. Tianjin will use its fresh-off-factory A330-200 on the route, currently still on the Airbus final assembly line in Toulouse, with delivery expected in May. The carrier plans to receive two additional A330s throughout the year to join its existing regional fleet comprising 22 A320s, 50 E190s, three E195s and 21 E145s.
Meanwhile, flag carrier Air China has ordered 2,500 units of Recaro’s CL3710 economy class seats, intended for installation on its first ten A350s. “With the CL3710, the airline has now selected the most advanced, most lightweight and most comfortable seat currently available on the market," said Recaro vice-president for Asia-Pacific sales, René Lux. However, Air China’s order was dwarfed by Singapore Airlines (SIA) which committed to 14,000 CL3710s for its A350 and A380 and future B787-10 fleets.
In further Mainland carrier updates, the first of 30-on-order B787-9s for Hainan Airlines has rolled out of Boeing’s final assembly plant in Everett. Hainan is scheduled to take delivery of the frame on May 19, with seven more to follow throughout the year. Air China is scheduled to receive its first Dreamliner two weeks earlier, on May 5, followed by Xiamen Airlines’ first -9 in December.
