Xiamen Air - B-5216

Xiamen Air: The Blue Swan and the Legacy of the Boeing 737

When you think of Xiamen Airlines, you picture the elegant blue-and-white livery gliding over the South China Sea — a symbol of reliability, hospitality, and China’s aviation progress. Since its founding in 1984, Xiamen Airlines has carried the nickname “Blue Swan”, reflecting both the coastal city it calls home and the grace with which it has grown from a small regional carrier into one of China’s most respected airlines.

Built on the Wings of the Boeing 737

While many know Xiamen Airlines for its modern Dreamliners, the true backbone of its story is the Boeing 737. From its very first flight, the airline relied on the 737 family to connect China’s bustling coastal cities — Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, and beyond — helping fuel the country’s economic rise. Over four decades, Xiamen Airlines built one of Asia’s most disciplined and reliable fleets, operating hundreds of 737s with exceptional safety and punctuality records.

For Xiamen Airlines, the 737 wasn’t just an aircraft — it was a lifeline. These jets enabled the airline to expand across China and Southeast Asia, carrying millions of passengers with a perfect blend of efficiency and Fujian-style hospitality.

The Story of B-5216

Among those aircraft, B-5216, a Boeing 737-700, holds a special place. Delivered to Xiamen Airlines in 2005, it served faithfully for over two decades, connecting countless travelers and destinations. From business hubs like Shanghai and Guangzhou to leisure gateways such as Sanya and Chengdu, B-5216 was a familiar sight across China’s skies.

Its blue tail and flowing wave motif symbolized the sea and sky that define Xiamen’s spirit — a constant reminder of the airline’s roots in a port city known for balance, beauty, and progress. After years of dependable service, this aircraft was retired, but its story didn’t end there.

A Second Life Through Aircrafttag

At Aircrafttag, we believe every aircraft deserves to live on. Our limited-edition tag series crafted from the fuselage of Xiamen Airlines Boeing 737 B-5216 preserves not only a piece of aviation metal but also the memories of millions of journeys. Each tag carries the authentic texture of flight — the rivets, the paint, the marks of time — connecting collectors and enthusiasts with a tangible piece of China’s aviation heritage.

These tags celebrate more than an aircraft; they honor an era when the 737 defined efficiency, reliability, and progress for Xiamen Airlines and for China’s expanding skies.

The Blue Swan’s Enduring Flight

Today, Xiamen Airlines continues to soar with new generations of aircraft, but the spirit that built its reputation still lies in the wings of the 737. Aircraft like B-5216 remind us that every flight, every route, and every landing contributes to a greater story — one of craftsmanship, precision, and pride.