Tianjin Airlines announced last week the arrival of its first widebody aircraft, an A330-200, bringing the carrier’s fleet to 89 aircraft. The aircraft underwent two days of demonstration flight before commencing commercial operations on 9 May, serving Tianjin-Kunming and Tianjin-Chengdu routes.

From 6 June the aircraft will operate intercontinental services to Moscow and London, making Tianjin Airlines the fourth Chinese carrier flying to London, following Air China, China Southern Airlines and China Eastern Airlines.

Throughout this year, Tianjin Airlines is scheduled to take delivery of 15 aircraft, including at least three A330s, while it retires four Embraer 145 aircraft. It is also planning to introduce a four times weekly link to Vancouver from this summer routing Chongqing – Tianjin – Vancouver once it receives its second and third A330s.

Executive chairman and president Liu Lu said the carrier’s future will rely on Tianjin Airlines and its parent, Hainan Airlines Group’s ability to integrate resources, gradually shedding Tianjin Airlines’ regional aircraft as it forms an all-Airbus fleet of A350, A330 and A320 aircraft.

Over the next five years, Tianjin Airlines will introduce at least 10 A330 wide-body aircraft, Liu said. Following the upcoming opening of Moscow and London routes from June, Tianjin also plans to open Los Angeles, San Francisco, Melbourne, Phuket, Ulan Bator and other international routes.

Tianjin Airlines operates to more than 100 destinations throughout China from its Tianjin hub including: Dalian, Guiyang, Haikou, Nanning, Sanya, Tianjin, Urumqi, Hohhhot and Xi’an.