Shanghai Airlines, the flag carrier of Shanghai, China, has announced that it will phase out its Airbus A330-300 fleet by the end of 2023. The airline has ordered 16 new Boeing 787 Dreamliners to replace its aging A330s and expects to receive them by 2025. The airline also has the option for another eight aircraft of the same model.
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The decision to switch to Boeing comes after Shanghai Airlines faced several challenges with its Airbus A330-300 fleet, which it acquired in 2010. The airline had to deal with technical issues, maintenance costs, and delays in deliveries. The A330s also had lower fuel efficiency and higher carbon emissions than the newer Boeing models.
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is expected to offer Shanghai Airlines a more comfortable and reliable flying experience, as well as lower operating costs and environmental impact. The Dreamliner is one of the most advanced wide-body aircraft in the world, featuring a composite fuselage, large windows, electrically adjustable seats, and a spacious cabin. The Dreamliner also has a range of up to 15,000 km (9,300 nmi), which allows it to fly non-stop from Shanghai to London or New York. Shanghai Airlines is not the only Chinese airline that is opting for Boeing over Airbus. In recent years, several Chinese carriers have ordered or converted their Airbus A350s to Boeing 787s or 777s. For example, China Eastern Airlines has ordered 18 Boeing 787-9s, while Air China has converted some of its A350-900s to 787-9s.
Shanghai Airlines is one of the largest airlines in China and serves as a hub for many domestic and international destinations. The airline operates a fleet of over 200 aircraft, including Airbus A320s, A321neos, A330s, A350s, and Boeing B777s. The airline is also part of SkyTeam Alliance and has codeshare agreements with many other airlines.