BEIJING: Building a strong fleet is seen as one of the most important strategies
in a carrier's growth.
To seek its competitive edge in the global airline
market, Air China is pressing ahead with its plan to introduce wide-bodied
airliners to its fleet and make its fleet more efficient, so as to improve
overall operational efficiency, cut costs and reduce carbon emissions.
According to an unnamed source of the carrier, talks are underway between Air
China and Boeing/Airbus on buying new airliners and exchanging used airliners
for new ones, including A350 and B787s.
Air China is China's only national flag carrier and a Star Alliance
member. By a fleet of 256 Airbus and Boeing aircraft, Air China runs 245
routes, serving 30 countries and regions. The carrier's strong network is
able to place 1,172 destinations in 181 countries within its reach.
