Juneyao Airlines' Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner has started operations between Shanghai and Shenzhen, and international flights starting from Shanghai are expected in half a year's time.

Decorated with peonies, the Boeing 787-9 wide-body Dreamliner - which arrived in Shanghai from the US on Oct 20 - can carry 290 passengers, fly up to 14,140 kilometers, and save 20 percent to 25 percent of fuel compared to older craft.

The super-efficient Dreamliner is the first wide-body commercial jet operated by a privately-held Chinese airline, and it will help the carrier expand its international network and increase flights to Southeast Asia, Japan and South Korea.

Juneyao has signed up for Boeing Global Services' pilot training to facilitate smooth operation of the Dreamliner, another step forward as the Chinese carrier emerges as an international outfit, according to US top aircraft manufacturer Boeing.