Urumqi Air (UQ, Urumqi) has only now taken delivery of its first B737-800 WIN., B-2157 (msn 32600), despite announcing an August 15 launch date in the past. China's WCARN aviation news says the aircraft, sourced from parent Hainan Airlines (HU, Haikou), was presented to the public sporting the airline's full logo and livery at a ceremony held at Urumqi on August 19.
Initial operations will include another B737-800 alongside one B737-700 leased from Hainan Airlines.
A 70/30 joint venture between Hainan Airlines and the Urumqi Urban Construction Investment Co, Urumqi Airlines' operational licence allows it to operate domestic (including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan) and international passenger and cargo services.
In the long term, it hopes to expand into the international market linking Urumqi with Central Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
