Jinli

Jinli   锦礼号

#3

B-6071

A330-243

Air China (Southwest branch)

2021-

Air China's Southwest branch is one of its largest units, with Chengdu Airport as its base. In June 2021, Air China unveiled this special scheme as it started the transition from Chengdu-Shuangliu to the new Tianfu Airport. Famous landmarks of the Chengdu area such as Qingcheng Mountain, Anshun Bridge, as well as the city skyline -composed of the Sichuan Radio and Television Tower-, Tianfu Overpass and other buildings are shown in shapes forming the eyes and ears of panda bears, other symbols of Sichuan. Also present are the silhouettes of bamboo forest, gaiwan tea sets, copper flowers and fruits as well as standing birds of Sanxingdui Museum.

The scheme was presented parked next to the two other specials from the Southwest branch, the two A321 in Beautiful Sichuan liveries. Jinli is the name of a very popular merchant street in downtown Chengdu.

Image  ©  Kevin Sung (LXA)
Tags   Tourism, Wildlife

Beautiful Sichuan #2

Beautiful Sichuan   秀美四川

#2

B-6365

A321-213

Air China (Southwest branch)

2008-

This A321 was the second of two painted in a special Panda scheme to promote tourism to Sichuan as the carrier's Southwest (Sichuan) branch was launching Chengdu-Taipei flights (which explains the absence of the usual PRC flag next to the Air China titles). This second design features traditional Chinese ink painting style. The Sichuan province is known for its Panda bears. Note the English titles on the starboard side.

The red, orange and yellow patterns at the rear of the plane refer to another Sichuan attraction, the Golden Sun Bird artifact, an ancient ring-shaped piece of foil made of nearly pure gold that was unearthed in 2001 from the Jinsha Ruins in Chengdu City. The artifact is now visible at the Chengdu Jinsha Ruins Museum. On a sidenote it is also the logo of competitor Chengdu Airlines.

Image  ©  Kevin Chung Nakamura (MFM)
Tags   Panda, Tourism, Traditional Patterns, Wildlife

Beautiful Sichuan #1

Beautiful Sichuan   秀美四川

#1

B-6361

A321-213

Air China (Southwest branch)

2008-

This A321 was the first of two painted in a special Panda scheme to promote tourism to Sichuan as the carrier's Southwest (Sichuan) branch was launching Chengdu-Taipei flights (which explains the absence of the usual PRC flag next to the Air China titles). This first design features a giant cartoon-style panda. The Sichuan province is known for its Panda bears. Note the English titles on the starboard side.

The red, orange and yellow patterns at the front of the plane refer to another Sichuan attraction, the Golden Sun Bird artifact, an ancient ring-shaped piece of foil made of nearly pure gold that was unearthed in 2001 from the Jinsha Ruins in Chengdu City. The artifact is now visible at the Chengdu Jinsha Ruins Museum. On a sidenote it is also the logo of competitor Chengdu Airlines.

Image  ©  Danny Yu (PEK)
Tags   Panda, Tourism, Wildlife