Sixth Next Generation Boeing 737-800 Delivered to China Southern

China Southern Airlines has taken delivery of its sixth "Next Generation" Boeing 737-800 aircraft.

"We are pleased to continue to 'upgrade' our fleet with this very modern and brand new aircraft, said Mr. Zhang Jianmin, Assistant President, China Southern Airlines and head of the airline's official delivery delegation to Seattle.

"China Southern and its Boeing 737-800 operation has proven very successful," said Mr. Rob Laird, Vice President, Sales - Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "As we look forward to continued rapid growth in China's domestic air travel, this partnership is ideal - a great operator and a great airplane."

The delivery of China Southern's newest passenger aircraft is the sixth 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 - already one of the youngest civil aviation fleets in China.

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.

China Southern Airlines connects more than 80 cities around the globe. Major business and vacation destinations served in China include: Beijing, Chengdu, Guangzhou, Guilin, Hong Kong, Kunming, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Wuhan and as well as international service, including: Amsterdam, Bangkok, Fukuoka, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Islamabad, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Los Angeles, Manila, Melbourne, Moscow, Osaka, Penang, Phnom Penh, Seoul, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo.