Greater Bay Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 737-9 on November 22 at Hong Kong International Airport, becoming the first Hong Kong-based operator of the 737 MAX family. The aircraft, registered B-KWA, arrived following a delivery flight from Boeing’s Seattle facility.

The aircraft commenced commercial operations on November 25, operating services between Hong Kong and Bangkok. This follows the airline’s 2023 order for 15 737-9 jets, with the latest addition serving as the initial delivery.

Carrier is the first 737 MAX operator in Hong Kong (Boeing)
Carrier is the first 737 MAX operator in Hong Kong (Boeing)

Greater Bay Airlines is the second Asian carrier to operate the 737-9, after Indonesia’s Lion Air. The 737-9’s entry into service introduces increased capacity and range options for the carrier’s regional network.

Configured with 197 seats, the 737-9 features 189 seats in economy class and introduces a new Premium Class with eight seats. Premium Class offers wider seats, 40-inch seat pitch, enhanced meals, and priority services.

The airline began operations in 2022 and currently operates seven 737-800s in a single-class configuration. Its network covers destinations in mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.