Boeing Delivers First 737-600 to China

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 ◆ Boeing Delivers First 737-600 to China

It is the first of three 737-600s scheduled to be delivered this year to the Chengdu-based airline company. The jetliners are being leased through GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) of the United States. "We are pleased that China Southwest Airlines is the first operator of the 737-600 in China," said Larry Dickenson, Boeing senior vice president of sales. "The airline is modernizing their fleet and chose the 737-600 based on its reliability and quality." The new 737-600, with capacity to hold 110 to 132 seats and maximum travel of over 5,600 kilometers, will operate on the domestic medium- and short-range routes as the airline expands its routes in China. "Based on our careful evaluation, it is clear that the 737-600 has superior economic and performance characteristics," said Wang Shixiang, president of China Southwest Airlines. "Our passengers can enjoy flying in the high-quality interior, with its state-of- the-art entertainment system." The China market has more 737s than any other commercial jetliner. There are currently 198 737s operating in China at 15 airlines. Worldwide, the 737 family is the most popular single- aisle airplane in the airline industry. Boeing projects that through the year 2020, the China market will require 1,764 new airplanes valued at 144 billion U.S. dollars, making it the largest commercial aviation market outside of the United States.