The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) has acquired eight Boeing 737-300 and two Boeing 737-700 passenger jets between 1988 and 2003 to provide domestic and international air transportation for senior government and military officials. These planes replaced the ageing IL-18 and Hawker Siddeley HS-121 Trident that had been serving as VIP transport aircraft in the PLAAF since the 1970s. Operated by the PLAAF 34th Air Division from Xijiao Airport in Beijing, these Boeing 737s carry the special government livery with the PRC national flag on the tail and four-digit civil aircraft register numbers (B-4XXX).
First launched in March 1981, the Boeing 737-300 is one of three members of the second generation Boeing 737 family, with over 1,000 planes in total flying around the world. Derived from the first generation Boeing 737-200, the Boeing 737-300 is the first variant to be powered by the CFM56 high bypass turbofan jointly developed by General Electric and SNECMA. This has significantly reduced the plane’s fuel consumption and noise level.
Despite the all new engines and the 2.64m fuselage stretch, the 737-300 retains 80% airframe spares commonality and shares the same ground handling equipment with the 737-200. There are several minor modifications on the plane to help improving its aerodynamic performance and ground clearance.
The Boeing 737-700 is a member of the Next Generation Boeing 737 family launched in November 1993. The 737-700 was the first member of the new family to be developed, and is based on the 737-300. The first 737-700 rolled out in 1996. The new engines and wings enable the Boeing 737-700 to cruise at Mach 0.78 to Mach 0.80, while the larger wing allows greater fuel tank and longer range. The Boeing 737-300 is fitted with an early-generation ‘class’ digital flight deck with four colour CRT screens. These systems provide concise flight information, which allows increased fuel efficiency and improves the airplane's ability to land in bad weather.
* Converted into airborne command & control aircraft
PLAAF Boeing 737 meets USAF C-40B: PLAAF Boeing 737-300 'B-4018' at the Beijing Capital Airport along side a visiting USAF C-40B (Boeing 737-700/BBJ) '10041' (Source: Chinese Internet)
