Baotou aircraft makes maiden flight

Updated: 2016-11-09

A Boeing 737-800 aircraft named Baotou Create Dream made its maiden flight from Beijing to Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Nov 4, according to a report by Xinhua.

The aircraft, named by the people's government of Baotou, is the first in the world that has Chinese screen paintings on it – a traditional form of art originating from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Top officials from the people’s government of Baotou take a group photograph with the crew of Baotou Create Dream in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Nov 4, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The aircraft is operated by China United Airlines (CUA). The airline is a wholly-owned subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines Co. Established in 1984, CUA now owns 31 B737-800 aircraft which fly to over 70 cities, completing more than 170 flights every day.

Designed by Nadun Lab, a pioneer in aviation innovation, the aircraft has been painted with patterns that incorporate Inner Mongolian elements. A white deer was painted on the nose of the aircraft as Baotou is also known as Lucheng – a city with deer. Mongolian ovoo (sacred piles of stones) and flags are seen on the outboard wing. The aircraft presents a picture of a serene Mongolian grassland view.

Zhang Ruijun, general manager of Baotou Airport, introduced the Baotou elements incorporated into the aircraft, and said that the highlights can be found in small details, like the patterns on the headrests and luggage compartments. He also mentioned that the decorations and patterns inside the cabin will be updated on a seasonal basis.

Early feedback on the design of the aircraft has been positive.

Miss Wang, one of the passengers aboard the maiden flight, thought highly of the original design of the plane in terms of the music played on the aircraft and the Mongolian costumes the cabin crew wore.

Baotou Create Dream is the world’s first and only aircraft that features Chinese screen painting, incorporating traditional Mongolian elements, Nov 4, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

The successful launching of Baotou Create Dream is of great importance to Baotou city, as the largest industrial city of Inner Mongolia is boosting its profile and seeking further development in its aviation and tourism industries. Thanks to the city's efforts, it now boasts an airport with a 1,012-meter runway, and flights to 33 cities operated by 31 different airlines.

The launch of the new aircraft also marks a new stage in the collaboration between Baotou and CUA, with a strategic cooperation agreement signed at the launching ceremony.

More routes operated by Baotou Create Dream will be opened including Beijing-Chengdu, Hanzhong-Kunming and Shanghai-Beijing flights.

The people’s government of Baotou signs a strategic cooperation agreement with China United Airlines (CUA) at the launching ceremony for Baotou Create Dream in Baotou, Inner Mongolia autonomous region, Nov 4, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]