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BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
25 June, 2005: China Eastern Airlines and Boeing have toasted the delivery of the airline's first two next-generation 737-700s, which are altered for operating in some highly remote, high-altitude areas.
The modifications comprise one hour of extra emergency oxygen supply and additions to the cabin pressure control system which permits operating at airport locations which are as high as 14,500 feet. China Eastern Airlines can use these modified Boing aircraft to operate in high-altitude airports in Lhasa and Bangda.
According to Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vice President, China Sales Rob Laird, "the high-altitude and extensive oxygen package will provide additional capability for China's carriers, as they support the country's initiative to improve access and service to western China."
China Eastern Airline's Yunnan subsidiary, headquartered in the provincial capital of Kunming , flies a fleet of 737-300s, 737-700s and 767-300s for local and global destinations. China Eastern (Yunnan) has ordered four 737-700s with the modifications. All these 737-700s are leased from International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC).
China's domestic aviation travel growth rate is the world's highest. Much of the country's demand for new planes are expected to be for single-aisle models such as the Boeing Next-Generation 737.
Boeing claims that the Next-Generation 737s fly higher, faster, farther, and quieter than similar airplanes, and offer better fuel efficiency. Till date, 84 carriers have ordered for over 2,600 Next-Generation 737s.
BY OUR AVIATION CORRESPONDENT
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