Suparna Airlines (Y8, Shanghai Hongqiao) has taken delivery of its first B787-9 with B-208C (msn 60322) being handed over on February 19, 2019.
The widebody jet is leased from GECAS and will be deployed into service on daily flights between Shanghai Pudong and Sanya, and between Zhengzhou and Sanya starting February 27.
Suparna Airlines had originally planned to begin B787 operations in late 2017 with B787-8 B-2738 (msn 34940) even featuring the carrier's full livery ahead of delivery. However, for reasons unknown, the move was scrapped with the aircraft instead being placed with parent firm Hainan Airlines (HU, Haikou).
Suparna Airlines also operates nine B737-800s on scheduled flights throughout China. It is primarily a cargo specialist employing a fleet of ten B737-300(F)s, one -400(F), three B747-400(BDSF)s, and one B747-400(ERF).