Hainan Airlines
has taken a significant step in its fleet modernization efforts by signing lease agreements with Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
(DAE) for four new Boeing 737-800
aircraft, DAE announced on Monday. The schedule for delivery is in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. This strategic move enhances operational efficiency and supports the airline’s growth ambitions in the competitive aviation market.
Photo: Thiago B Trevisan | Shutterstock
According to DAE, these Boeing aircraft have efficient CFM LEAP-1B engines and modern technological winglets, which reduce fuel use and emissions by 20% over the aircraft they replace. In addition to these recent acquisitions, DAE owns, manages, or has committed to 500 aircraft, including 215 from Boeing.
Strong partnership between Hainan Airlines and DAE
Dubai Aerospace Enterprise is a 35-year-old global aviation services company headquartered in Dubai, according to its website. DAE’s leasing and engineering divisions “serve over 170 customers around the world from seven offices in Dubai, Dublin, Amman, Singapore, New York, Miami and Seattle.”
Photo: Markus Mainka | Shutterstock
Firoz Tarapore, Chief Executive Officer of DAE, said in a statement:
“We are pleased to further strengthen our partnership with Hainan Airlines. This agreement reflects the strong relationship we’ve developed over the years, and we value their trust in DAE as we remain committed to meeting their evolving fleet needs.
Strategic growth and fleet modernization
The deal marks a pivotal moment for Hainan Airlines, as it seeks to upgrade its existing fleet and incorporate the latest advancements in aircraft technology. The four Boeing 737-8 aircraft aim to support Hainan Airlines’ growth and operational objectives.
Hainan Airlines’ CEO, Yu Chaojie, stated that the strategic placement of Boeing aircraft in their fleet is an investment in growth and a tribute to the company’s long-standing collaboration.
Photo: Alexandr Zimovskoy | Shutterstock
He said in a statement:
“By reducing the average age of our aircraft, the integration of these aircraft will significantly contribute to fleet modernization. We are not only enhancing our operational efficiency but also optimizing cost structure, improving fuel efficiency, and reducing maintenance costs, which are critical factors in today’s competitive aviation market.”
Hainan Airlines, a subsidiary of the HNA Group, has been a prominent player in the Chinese aviation sector, operating a diverse fleet that connects key domestic and international destinations. With the addition of these new aircraft, the airline aims to enhance its route offerings and improve service quality, meeting the growing demand for air travel in and out of China.
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Hainan Airlines’s fleet comprises a total of 214 aircraft, with an average age of 9.6 years. Currently, the fleet includes 145 Boeing 737s, making it the most prevalent aircraft type, complemented by 36 Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 25 Airbus A330s. The airline also operates smaller models like the Airbus A319 and A320, as well as larger long-haul aircraft such as the Airbus A350 XWB and the Boeing 767.
According to its website, the Boeing 737 MAX has eight business seats and 168 economy seats. The Boeing 737-800 fleet has five different cabin designs to fulfill different passenger needs. These include a configuration with 8 business seats and either 162 or 156 economy seats, or 189, 186, and 179 economy seats.