Greater Bay Airlines receives first 737-9, becomes Hong Kong’s initial MAX operator

Greater Bay Airlines took delivery of its first Boeing 737-9 on November 22 at Hong Kong International Airport, becoming the first Hong Kong-based operator of the 737 MAX family. The aircraft, registered B-KWA, arrived following a delivery flight from Boeing’s Seattle facility.

The aircraft commenced commercial operations on November 25, operating services between Hong Kong and Bangkok. This follows the airline’s 2023 order for 15 737-9 jets, with the latest addition serving as the initial delivery.

Greater Bay Airlines is the second Asian carrier to operate the 737-9, after Indonesia’s Lion Air. The 737-9’s entry into service introduces increased capacity and range options for the carrier’s regional network.

Configured with 197 seats, the 737-9 features 189 seats in economy class and introduces a new Premium Class with eight seats. Premium Class offers wider seats, 40-inch seat pitch, enhanced meals, and priority services.

The airline began operations in 2022 and currently operates seven 737-800s in a single-class configuration. Its network covers destinations in mainland China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Thailand.

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