Air China has taken delivery of its first Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the first of 15 Dreamliners set to join the airline’s fleet. The national flag carrier is also the first airline in the country to have a 787-9 enter into service.

“The 787-9 Dreamliner employs a multitude of cutting-edge technologies best represented by its electronic handling system and wide application of composite materials,” says captain Wang Yingnian, chief pilot of Air China. “We believe the 787-9 will become the backbone of Air China’s international long-haul routes and will play an important role in supporting Air China’s international development strategy.”

With the fuselage stretched by 20 feet (6 meters) over the 787-8, the 787-9 will fly over 40 more passengers and additional 285 nautical miles (830 km). It features large windows, large stow bins, modern LED lighting, higher humidity, a lower cabin altitude, cleaner air and a smoother ride.

“We are very honoured that the 787-9 has joined Air China’s national flag carrier fleet,” says Ihssane Mounir, Boeing Commercial Airplanes senior vice president of Northeast Asia sales. “Carrying the long term partnership between Air China and Boeing, Air China’s 787-9 will provide comfort and convenience for passengers, exceptional fuel efficiency and environmental performance for the airline customers.”

Air China, headquartered in Beijing, offers scheduled flight routes connecting 174 cities in 40 countries and regions. It will use its 787-9s to ride on the wave of fast growing international passenger traffic by expanding its international network through non-stop point-to-point services.  www.airchina.com