China Eastern Chairman Liu Shaoyong (center right) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes Vicepresident Elizabeth Lund (center left) shake hands after cutting ribbons with executive teams of the airline and Boeing to celebrate the delivery of the airline’s fi rst 777-300ER at the Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington on Wednesday.  Linda Deng / China Daily

China Eastern Airlines took delivery of its first of 20 Boeing 777-300ERs on Wednesday at Boeing's Future of Flight Aviation Center in Mukilteo, Washington, making the Shanghai-based carrier the third operator of this model aircraft in the Chinese mainland, after Air China and China Southern Airlines.

"We are delighted to introduce our first 777-300ER in China Eastern's new look in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the 777-300ER program," saidLiu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern Airlines.

"The delivery not only marks a milestone in the long-standing business relationship between China Eastern and Boeing, but also signals the modernization of our world-class fleet and the enhancement of the competitiveness of our trans-Pacificroutes," Liu said.

"We are honored to play an integral role in China Eastern's growing success as a leading global airline," said Ray Conner, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 777-300ER is a perfect fit for China Eastern's long-haul fleet and we are pleased to celebrate this milestone delivery together."

As China Eastern's newest wide-body long-range aircraft,this Boeing B777-300ER carries the updated China Eastern logo, light-colored interiorand advanced in-flight configuration. It brings out the new corporate image, brand charm and customer experience, marking China Eastern's significant path towards becoming an international platform and globalization. With a fleet of 20 Boeing B777-300ERs, the company will soon bethe largest operator of this model in China and the fifth in the world.

The first Boeing B777-300ER is going to fly the Beijing-Shanghai route starting Sept 30, offering Chinese passengers the unique experience of the advanced configuration. Starting in November, it will commence flights from Shanghai Pudong to Los Angeles and then to New York. China Eastern will introduce 10 more Boeing B777-300ERs between 2015 and 2016, dominating all China Eastern's North American routes. By 2018, all 20 Boeing B777-300ERs will be in place.

The newly-delivered Boeing B777-300ER offers a three-class layout featuring six first-class suites, 52 full-flat business-class seats and 258 economy-class seats with private entertainment equipment.

With a range capability of 14,680 kilometers, it is powered by General Electric's GE90-115B, the most powerful engine for civil aircrafts. Boeing B777-300ER's excellent performance in pay load and range capability as well as its efficiency and comfortable cabin are valued.

lindadeng@chinadailyusa.com

(China Daily USA 09/25/2014 page1)