China Southern Airlines Continues Upgrading Fleet

China Southern Airlines continues to upgrade and modernize its fleet with the delivery of its seventh "Next Generation" Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

"Our customers and our company are very comfortable with the highest standards of quality that Boeing provides and we are pleased to be a long-term operator of Boeing aircraft," said Mr. Zhou Yongjin, Vice President, China Southern Airlines and head of the airline's official delivery delegation to Seattle.

"China Southern has established a very successful operation where the 737-800 has proven itself to be a reliable and efficient money maker for the airline," said Rob Laird, vice president of China Sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The delivery of China Southern's newest passenger aircraft is the seventh of 20 new Boeing 737-800 "Next Generation" aircraft in deal that was inked on October 3, 2001.

The 20 new 737-800 aircraft will replace the same number of existing 737 series aircraft currently operated by China Southern Airlines and will significantly lower the average age of the airline's fleet.

The "Next-Generation" Boeing 737-800's range is approximately 3,300 nautical miles (5,926 km), an increase of up to 900 nautical miles over earlier 737 models. China Southern's new 737-800 will offer 167 seats in a two-class configuration, eight First Class and 159 Economy Class seats.