Gregory Polek has spent his entire career in aviation journalism with AIN, starting as a proofreader and assistant to then-managing editor Mary Mahoney in 1995 after serving an internship with&nbsp;New Jersey Monthly&nbsp;magazine and completing his B.A. degree in English/Writing at New Jersey’s William Paterson College. By 1997 Polek accepted a position as an associate editor, covering the regional airline beat for&nbsp;Aviation International News&nbsp;in place of retiring industry veteran Don Anderson. The assignment took Polek across North America and Europe to profile regional airlines varying in size and mission from the likes of floatplane operators Kenmore Air and Chalk’s Ocean Airways to regional jet operators such as SkyWest and American Eagle. Today, in his dual role as Air Transport Editor and International Airshow Editor, Polek writes, edits, and manages AIN’s commercial aviation content while overseeing each of the company’s daily international air show publications in Paris, Farnborough, Singapore, and Dubai. Most recently Polek has assumed oversight of daily coverage of the Helicopter Association International’s annual Heli-Expo convention.

Senior Editor

Gregory Polek

Boeing and China’s Okay Airways announced a $1.3 billion commitment here yesterday covering twelve 737s, including eight 737 Max 8s, three Max 9s and a single 737-900ER. The deal marks the first 737 Max 9 order by a Chinese airline and boosts Okay’s Max portfolio to 17 airplanes.

 


The contract also gives Okay rights to exercise options for another eight 737 Max 8s. It remains subject to approval of the Chinese government and will appear in Boeing’s official order backlog once the sides clear all “contingencies.”

 


The first private airline in China, Okay launched 737 operations in 2005 and remains the country’s only 737-900ER operator. Its fleet of fourteen 737-800s, three 737-900ERs and a Boeing 737-300 freighter serves more than 100 domestic and international routes.

 


Appearing here at the Singapore Airshow yesterday with Boeing Commercial Airplanes CEO Ray Conner, Okay Airways chairman Wang Shusheng attributed several years of profitability at his airline largely to Boeing’s support of its 737 fleet.

 


“We greatly value the ties we have built over the years with Boeing,” said Wang. “The 737 has made Okay Airways’ operations profitable for many years. I’m sure it’s going to be a great asset to ensure Okay Airways’ future development.”

 


Now occupying six operating bases, Okay plans to transfer its main base from Tianjin Binhai International Airport in Beijing to a new airport under construction in the city scheduled for opening in 2018. Wang added that Okay plans to increase the size of its fleet to 80 airplanes by 2020.

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Boeing Lands 737 Commitment From Okay Airways

Okay Airways has ordered twelve 737s, the first 737 Max 9 order by a Chinese airline. It remains subject to approval of the Chinese government.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Jessica Reed

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Jo Damato and Andrew Broom assume additional responsibilities

NBAA Expands Roles for Two Senior Executives

Matt Thurber

Similarities between the piston- and jet-powered Cirruses make transition training easier

Transport Canada Certifies Cirrus SR G7 and Vision G2+

Kerry Lynch

Aircraft will be able to take off in 150 feet of runway

Electra Launches Hybrid-electric EL9 STOL Aircraft

Hanneke Weitering

First production-representative Alia CX300 takes flight

Beta Flies First Electric Airplane Produced in Vermont Factory

G700 next headed to the Bahrain International Airshow for display alongside the G500

Gulfstream’s G700 Surpasses 65 City-pair Records

Honda's secretive eVTOL program picks up steam

FAA Greenlights Honda eVTOL Flight Tests

Curt Epstein

Some models are seeing high demand, others not so much

Broker: Preowned Cessna Citation Market Remains Mixed

Charles Alcock

New developments at airports including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

News and developments about aircraft engines, including turbofan, turboprop, turboshaft and piston.

2016 Singapore Airshow

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