Boeing 787 gets antenna upgrade: Xiamen Airlines introduces its first in-flight WiFi-equipped aircraft

▲ Xiamen Airlines Boeing 787 aircraft. (Photo provided by Xiamen Airlines)

Reporter Chen Ziying / Comprehensive report

Xiamen Airlines took delivery of its third aircraft this year, which arrived at Xiamen Airport on the 22nd. This is the first Boeing 787 in the Greater China region equipped with in-flight WiFi, and it is expected to be tested on domestic routes in July.

According to Xiamen Airlines, the Boeing 787, registered as B-2760, is equipped with Panasonic’s Global Communications Services system. In the future, passengers carrying mobile phones or tablet devices will be able to access the internet via the KU-band satellite internet service it provides. The system includes a satellite receiving antenna installed on the exterior of the aircraft, allowing passengers to go online or use social messaging services while in flight.

With the addition of B-2760, Xiamen Airlines’ all-Boeing fleet has reached 116 aircraft, including 17 B737-700s, 90 B737-800s, 3 B787-8s, and 6 B757-200s. Xiamen Airlines stated that it will introduce three more Boeing 787 aircraft this year, and the newly launched “Xiamen–Amsterdam” route launching in July will also be operated using the Boeing 787.