On April 25, 2024, a Boeing 787 passenger plane with registration number B-208C of Suparna Airlines pierced the sky at Haikou Meilan International Airport, and the roar of the huge GEnx engine announced its final mission. This aircraft was once the pride of Suparna Airlines, and it was also the last Boeing 787 passenger aircraft under the company's umbrella. After completing the transfer mission to Inner Mongolia Airlines, it will officially withdraw from the fleet of Suparna Airlines, ending its service in Suparna Airlines.
With the gradual maturity of the C919 passenger aircraft independently developed by Continental, the comprehensive renewal of Suparna Airlines' fleet has been put on the agenda. In October 2024, Suparna Airlines will take delivery of its first domestically produced large aircraft, the C919, and put it into commercial operation within the fourth quarter. It means that Suparna Airlines will officially enter a new era of C919 fleet, which is also an important milestone in the development of the mainland's civil aviation industry.
It is reported that in the future, Suparna Airlines' fleet will be gradually adjusted to all C919 aircraft in 3 to 4 years, and build a domestic large aircraft fleet with up to 30 aircraft. Suparna Airlines has announced that it will strive to become the benchmark and flagship airline of C919 operations, providing passengers with a more comfortable flight experience.
Around the world, it is not uncommon for thousands of airlines, large and small, to use a single brand or even a single aircraft type in their fleets. For example, Sichuan Airlines, Spring Airlines, and Capital Airlines all have an all-Airbus fleet, of which Sichuan Airlines has as many as 199 Airbus aircraft, Spring Airlines has 126 Airbus aircraft, all of which are A320 families, and Capital Airlines has four series of 85 Airbus aircraft.
Shanghai Airlines, on the other hand, has an all-Boeing fleet, with a total of 85 Boeing aircraft in two series, and Shandong Airlines has only one model, the Boeing 737, with as many as 135 aircraft. By adopting a single brand or single aircraft type, these airlines have not only improved operational efficiency, but also created a distinctive brand identity.
However, there is no precedent for airlines to use the domestically produced C919 as the only aircraft type. Suparna Airlines will be the pioneer of this historic event and may write a new chapter in China's civil aviation industry. Although Suparna Airlines is rumored to be a patriotic airline, it also faces challenges from the fierce competition in the civil aviation market.
Operating a single model is one of the most effective strategies to address these operational challenges, including cost control, efficiency improvements, and customer satisfaction. The biggest benefit is the significant cost savings that can result. By centralizing the procurement and maintenance of a single aircraft type, airlines can reduce inventory costs, training expenses, and maintenance resources. This economies of scale allow airlines to operate at a lower cost, increasing profitability.
In addition, single-model operation helps improve operational efficiency. A unified fleet means faster repairs and replacements, fewer aircraft types of delays and longer turnaround times. In addition, a single aircraft type is also convenient for route network planning, making flight scheduling more flexible and improving flight punctuality.