Chinese low-cost start-up Jiuyuan Airlines hopes to begin service to destinations in Southeast Asia in 2015, says chairman Wang Junjuin.

The airline, a subsidiary of Juneyao Airlines, wants to launch International flights “as soon as possible”, said Junjuin at a Farnborough air show signing ceremony with CFM International for engines to power i737s. “We hope to begin next year,” he added.

Jiuyuan, also known as 9 Air, plans to launch domestic Boeing 737-800 flights from its base at Guangzhou Baiyun International airport in the third quarter. It had previously aimed to start services in August.

The carrier has a letter of intent for 20 737-800s and 30 737 Max 8s with deliveries of the next-generation aircraft beginning this year.

Jiuyuan’s CFM deal covering CFM56-7B engines for its 737-800s and Leap-1B engines for the 737 Max 8s, combined with a long-term service agreement, is valued at $3.7 billion at list prices.

The Leap-1B is the sole engine available on the 737 Max.

Source: Cirium Dashboard