Hainan Airlines, a prominent player in China’s aviation sector, is reportedly on the brink of significantly boosting its fleet with an order for up to 20 Airbus A330-900 aircraft. This speculation arises from a stock exchange filing which revealed the airline’s board of directors’ approval for the purchase of aircraft kitchen equipment specifically designed for the A330-900, despite the airline currently not operating any A330-900s in its fleet.
Detailed in a Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) filing dated March 30, 2024, and first highlighted by ch-aviation, the disclosure underscores Hainan Airlines’ ambitious expansion plans. The document mentions the board’s green light for acquiring 20 aircraft cabin kitchen equipment sets from Safran Cabin Germany, marking a transaction potentially worth up to $23.5 million. This move, unanimously approved by all 12 directors, indicates the airline’s forward planning for integrating the Airbus A330-900 into its operations.
While the filing stops short of confirming the aircraft order outright, it strongly hints at Hainan Airlines’ intentions, especially given the absence of set delivery dates for these kitchen sets. The order would mark a significant addition to Hainan Airlines’ existing fleet of 29 Airbus A330s, divided between the A330-200 and A330-300 models, and follows the airline’s previous operation of the Airbus A350-900 which was phased out amid financial challenges faced by its former parent company, HNA Group.
An order for Airbus A330-900 aircraft would not only bolster Hainan Airlines’ widebody fleet but also signify the airline’s recovery and strategic realignment following the HNA Group’s dissolution in December 2021. With the aviation industry witnessing a resurgence in demand, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, the A330-900’s advanced capabilities and efficiency could play a pivotal role in Hainan Airlines’ competitive edge and route expansion efforts.
This potential order would also be a notable achievement for Airbus, marking the first A330neo order in 2024 amidst a year that has so far seen limited activity for the aircraft type. Despite recent cancellations, Airbus remains optimistic about the A330neo’s market prospects, with several unassigned A330-900 slots available that could cater to Hainan Airlines’ immediate needs through operational leasing arrangements.
As Hainan Airlines and Airbus remain tight-lipped about the specifics of the deal, the aviation community eagerly awaits official confirmation and further details on how this significant order could reshape the landscape of China’s aviation industry and reinforce Hainan Airlines’ position as a leading global carrier.
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com
