China Eastern Airlines has received its first Boeing 737-700 that has been reconfigured for high-altitude operations.

The aircraft has been fitted with Boeing's High-Altitude/High-Temperature Airport Operations feature package, the airframer said.

A new engine thrust rating gives the aircraft additional payload capability at high-altitude airports and hot conditions.

In addition, the package includes an extended duration oxygen system and equipment, which will enable the use of the enhanced enroute navigation requirements to and from high-altitude airports, Boeing said.

The 737-700, which comes with Boeing's new Sky Interior, will be operated by the airline's subsidiary, China Eastern Airlines Sichuan.

The aircraft will be based in Chengdu, the capital of the mountainous Sichuan province in China.

Source: Air Transport Intelligence news