Boeing Helps Air China Upgrade Interiors on Carrier’s 777 Fleet

Sept. 4, 2012
Boeing Commercial Aviation Services designed and managed the modification, providing technical, certification and logistical support during the modification, including airplane service manual updates.

Sept. 4, 2012, SEATTLE, Wash., -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and AMECO, a joint venture of Air China Limited and Lufthansa German Airlines based in Beijing, have completed the first passenger interior upgrade for Air China’s 10-airplane 777-200 fleet. The completed modification was managed and approved by Boeing and certified by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration. The airplane is returning to service in late August.

The new interior configuration features seating for 310 passengers in a three-class arrangement consisting of 30 new business class seats, 63 premium economy seats and the addition of personal computer power for all seats on the airplane. The new business class pod-style seats are six-across, in a 2-2-2 configuration and 60-inch pitch. The premium economy seats are nine-across, in a 2-5-2 configuration with a 35-inch pitch.

“Passengers will be very happy with the comfort provided by this new interior,” said Chai Weixi, vice president, Air China. “The Boeing project management was on time and with good quality, allowing to quickly move this enhancement into service.”

Boeing Commercial Aviation Services designed and managed the modification, providing technical, certification and logistical support during the modification, including airplane service manual updates.

“Air China’s success depends on the onboard experience that their passengers receive,” said Craig Larson, director, Modification Services, Boeing Commercial Airplane Services. “With this modification, Boeing is providing an advantage to Air China with a new interior design and includes comprehensive support that only Boeing can offer.”

AMECO provides maintenance, repair and overhaul services for airframe, engines and components of commercial aircraft, and offers services in training, engineering and logistics. AMECO is authorized by China’s CAAC as a Designated Modification Design Organization Representative.

Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. The Fleet Services team helps airline customers get the most out of every air mile – from providing technical information and expertise to manage their fleet to delivering engineering and maintenance services to keep operations running smoothly.  Aligned with customers’ engineering and maintenance functions, Fleet Services also provides aircraft-on-ground services, passenger-to-freighter conversions, modifications and performance upgrades, and management of airline fleets. Field Services representatives are stationed globally. In addition, a 24/7 operations center offers real-time collaboration with customers and suppliers. Optimizing fleet performance and maintenance operations to OEM standards helps Boeing customers succeed.