Greater Bay Air Eyes Boeing 787s Amid 737-9 Delays

Hong Kong-based Greater Bay Airlines remains committed to its future expansion with Boeing B787s, despite current delivery delays for its B737 MAX 9 order. CEO Liza Ng shared the airline’s ongoing plans on November 3, 2024, as she discussed fleet strategy and growth objectives at an event in Hong Kong.

Expansion Plans with Boeing B787 Dreamliners

Greater Bay Airlines, currently operating a fleet of eight Boeing B737-800s to 11 airports across seven countries, is exploring the addition of B787 Dreamliners. According to Ng, the B787s would play a critical role in handling anticipated demand growth and expanding the airline’s network. Though she didn’t specify a timeline for the B787 acquisition, Ng indicated that the widebody aircraft aligns with the airline’s long-term strategy for adding new routes and catering to markets with higher passenger volumes.

“We are considering the B787s to support our growth strategy,” Ng said, highlighting Greater Bay Airlines’ intent to broaden its reach and service offerings in the Asia-Pacific region.

Delays in Boeing B737 MAX 9 Deliveries

Greater Bay Airlines had previously announced an order for fifteen B737-9 MAX jets in March 2023, with delivery initially set to begin in August 2024. However, Boeing’s production challenges have postponed these timelines. Ng now expects the first B737-9 to arrive in the second quarter of 2025, with subsequent jets scheduled to follow at a rate of two to three per year through 2027.

The addition of B737 MAX 9 aircraft is intended to enhance Greater Bay Airlines’ ability to serve a broader array of routes with greater efficiency. The MAX series offers improved fuel efficiency and longer range compared to the B737-800s, making it ideal for mid-range routes and supporting the airline’s expansion plans.

Growing Network with New Japan Routes

Ng’s comments came during an event celebrating Greater Bay Airlines’ launch of flights between Hong Kong and Yonago, Japan. Japan is a priority market for the airline, with new scheduled services set to Tokushima later this month and Sendai in December. These expansions demonstrate Greater Bay Airlines’ focus on high-potential routes in competitive and underserved markets.

“This is our survival strategy, so to speak,” Ng told the South China Morning Post, explaining the airline’s approach to route selection. By targeting less competitive destinations and high-demand regions like Japan, Greater Bay Airlines is building a network aimed at both profitability and sustained growth.

Market Positioning and Future Prospects

Greater Bay Airlines’ commitment to a diversified fleet with both B737 and B787 models reflects its strategic approach to growth in the Asia-Pacific market. While the delayed arrival of the B737 MAX 9s presents some operational challenges, the airline’s flexibility and adaptive approach to its fleet expansion underscore its resilience. The future addition of B787s would enable Greater Bay Airlines to capture demand on longer, high-traffic routes, positioning it as a versatile competitor among regional carriers.

With these strategic plans, Greater Bay Airlines is set to bolster its presence in Hong Kong and tap into expanding market opportunities. As it waits for the arrival of the B737 MAX 9s and potentially the B787s, the airline continues to pursue an agile growth path focused on strategic route development and long-term fleet enhancement.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com