YZ 763

Yangtze Airlines received its first Boeing 767-300ER in 1998, and would operate a total of 4 of these jets from 1998 to 2011. The airline first ordered the 767-300ER with the intention of using it on long haul routes, but by the time it was delivered the airline had decided on keeping the MD-11 as the long haul fleet for the airline and replace them with the A340s a year later, and the 767s would operate high demand domestic or short haul international routes. Interestingly, the 767 would wear a unique livery with the Chinese calligraphy pattern, which will later be seen on the 2012 livery, painted on the red stripe along the fuselage. The airline would lock the center fuel tank of 3 of its 767s, limiting its range and increasing cargo space. However, the airline decided not to lock the center fuel tank of B-2311, which was briefly registered as N231YZ between 2001 and 2004, and operated almost exclusively as flight YZ10 and YZ11 (Beijing-Shanghai-Honolulu-Los Angeles). This one-of-its-kind route was extremely popular, especially during the summer seasons, and complemented existing MD-11 direct Shanghai-Los Angeles service, giving tourists another connection between the US and China. In 2004, Yangtze Airlines cancelled the Honolulu-Los Angeles leg of the trip, and N231YZ reverted to its Chinese registration. The YZ10 and YZ11 service would be replaced by YZ570 and YZ571 Shanghai-Honolulu service in 2008. In 2019, Yangtze would re-introduce the Shanghai-Honolulu-Los Angeles service, this time with a Boeing 787-9 and flight numbers YZ30 and YZ29. Unfortunately, as the pandemic hit the world, the route would be suspended once again. The 767-300ER would continue on short-haul and medium-haul routes for Yangtze until 2011, as all 4 were sold to Providence Worldwide Services, where they remain in service till this day.

Aircraft Pictured:
N231YZ, Boeing 767-36A(ER), delivered to Yangtze Airlines in 2000. Registered B-2311 (2000-2001, 2004-2011). Exited from fleet in 2011. Now Providence Worldwide Services N391PE.