Tianjin Airlines welcomed its first wide-body aircraft -- an Airbus A330-200 -- at Tianjin Binhai International Airport on May 5, embarking on its first long-haul flights to Moscow and London in June.

The A330-200 aircraft, Registration B-6089 in parent company Hainan Airlines' livery, is equipped with 260 seats, including 18 in business class and 242 in economy class.

After two day's familiarization, the wide-body aircraft will start operating domestic services to Kunming and Chengdu on May 7.

Starting June 13, the Tianjin-based carrier will fly the A330 from its hub to Moscow, Russia, marking its first trans-continental route. On June 25, the 260-seat aircraft will be deployed on Tianjin-Chongqing-London route.

With the arrival of A330, Tianjin Airlines currently operates a fleet of 89 aircraft, including 66 Embraer and 22 Airbus A320 aircraft.

In 2016, the airline will add 15 aircraft to its fleet, three of which will be A330s. It also plans to retire four Embraer ERJ-145s.

Over the next five years, Tianjin Airlines plans to introduce at least 10 A330s, which will help expand its international long-haul network, said Liu Lu, president of the company. The type, together with A350s and A320s, will form the core of its fleet going forward.

Expect for Moscow and London, Tianjin Airlines will boost its global network with more international destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Melbourne, Phuket and Ulan Bator.

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