China Southern Airlines Selling Entire Boeing 787-8 Fleet (Buy Used 787-Dreamliner)

China Southern Airlines, the largest carrier in Asia, is selling its entire fleet of 10 Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft and 2 spare GEnx-1B70/P2 engines. The sale, conducted through open bidding, offers airlines a chance to buy used 787-Dreamliners. Delivered between 2013 and 2014, these aircraft boast an average service life of over a decade. Deliveries to the new owner are expected in 2025-2026. Strategic Shift for Modernization: This move signals a significant shift in China Southern's fleet strategy, prioritizing widebody fleet modernization. The 787-8, while significant for China Southern's history (first introduced in China in 2013), is being phased out due to its smaller passenger capacity and higher per-seat costs compared to the more efficient Boeing 787-9. Aligning with Industry Trends: China Southern's decision aligns with a broader trend in Chinese airlines to phase out older widebody aircraft in favor of more efficient models. This follows the airline's retirement of Airbus A380s and a shift towards narrowbody planes for domestic and regional markets. Widebody Market Dynamics at Play: The sale reflects contrasting trends in the global widebody aircraft market. While demand surges in regions like the Middle East and Europe, China's international aviation recovery lags. This leads to underutilization of widebody planes on domestic routes. IATA (International Air Transport Association) reports record global passenger traffic in September 2024, driven by transatlantic travel. However, Chinese airlines struggle to restore pre-pandemic capacity, particularly on long-haul routes to North America. Strategic Response for China Southern: By reducing its widebody fleet size, China Southern adapts to the current market and manages capacity growth conservatively. This aligns its fleet composition with current demand. Conclusion: The sale marks the end of an era for China Southern's 787-8s and signifies a strategic shift towards a leaner, more efficient operation. As global aviation dynamics evolve, China Southern's ability to adapt its fleet strategy will be crucial in maintaining its competitive edge.