SEATTLE, WA | February 28, 2012– Boeing [NYSE: BA] announced today that China Southern Airlines has agreed to buy 10 Boeing 777-300ERs, as the airline plans to expand its capacity to meet growing demand in Asia-Pacific and China.

“We’re very pleased that China Southern, which has been a staunch 777 supporter from the very beginning of the program, has once again selected the 777-300ER to serve its passengers and to deliver value to its bottom line,” said Ihssane Mounir, vice president, Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes.

The Boeing 777 is the world’s most successful twin-engine, long-haul airplane. The 777-300ER extends the 777 family’s span of capabilities, bringing twin-engine efficiency and reliability to the long-range market. The airplane carries 365 passengers up to 7,930 nautical miles (14,685 km).

Boeing incorporated several performance enhancements for the 777-300ER, extending its range and payload capabilities. Excellent performance during flight testing, combined with engine efficiency improvements and design changes that reduce drag and airplane weight, contributed to the increased capability.

The agreement requires Chinese Government approval, and Boeing looks forward to working with China Southern Airlines, a long-time valued customer, to obtain approval. Once approval is attained, the order will be posted to Boeing’s Orders & Deliveries Website.

First Operator Of World’s Most Eco-Efficient Airliner In China

October 14, 2011 — Airbus has delivered the first A380 to China Southern Airlines. During a very special celebration ceremony today at the Airbus Delivery Centre in Toulouse, France, the first out of five aircraft ordered was handed over from Airbus President and CEO, Tom Enders to China Southern Airlines Chairman, Si Xianmin.

China Southern Airlines becomes the first operator of the world’s most eco-efficient aircraft in China and the 7th globally. Powered by Rolls-Royce Trend-900 engines, the aircraft will be initially operated on domestic routes between the major Chinese cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou. Later on, the airline will deploy the A380 on international routes.

At the ceremony, China Southern Airlines unveiled its spacious and comfortable A380 cabin, featuring a total of 506 seats in a typical three class configuration, including eight luxury first-class suites, 70 lie-flat business-class seats and 428 economy-class seats. Passengers’ well–being will be enhanced through innovative mood lighting including several different lighting scenarios to create a relaxing atmosphere and environment. The state-of-the-art in-flight entertainment system makes it easy for passengers to select from a wide variety of audio and video programs and make their long-haul A380 trip something to remember. The cabin also offers seats and lavatories that are easily accessible to disabled passengers.

“We are proud to become the first A380 operator in China,” said Si Xianmin, Chairman of China Southern Airlines. “The introduction of the A380 in our fleet is a very important step for the development of China Southern. This most spacious and modern aircraft enables us, to offer our passengers world-standard comfort on our flights. The economics offered by the A380 will undoubtedly improve our competitiveness on international routes and is the perfect asset to make China Southern Airlines achieve its goal of becoming a leading global carrier.”

“We offer China Southern Airlines our warmest welcome as the newest operator of the A380,” said Tom Enders, President and CEO of Airbus. “The A380 has set new standards in comfort, economic efficiency and environmental performance. With the A380, China Southern Airlines will surely play a key role in the top league of the world’s leading airlines.”

Since entering service in 2007 the eco-efficient A380 has exceeded all expectations, flying more people further at lower cost (some 16 million passengers up to date). The spacious, the quieter cabin and the smooth ride have made the aircraft a favourite with passengers. This has resulted in higher than average load factors and increased profitability on A380 flights, providing airlines with a key competitive advantage wherever they operate the type. Typically seating 525 passengers in a three class layout, the A380 is capable of flying 8,300 nautical miles or 15,300 kilometres.

The ‘Green Aircraft’ Flies To Hamburg For Cabin Installation And Painting

March 4, 2011 — The first of five Airbus A380s for China Southern Airlines has made its maiden flight today after completion of the final assembly and system tests in Toulouse.

The aircraft, powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 900 engines, flew from Toulouse, France to Hamburg, Germany, where the cabin will be installed and the aircraft will be painted in full China Southern livery.

The green colour of the aircraft shown is a protective coating against corrosion.

China Southern Airlines will become the seventh A380 operator Delivery of the aircraft is scheduled later in 2011.