Xiamen Airlines has gotten approval to provide US$5.5 million loan guarantee for Hebei Airlines to lease a Boeing 737-800 aircraft (B-6868) from Tianlan (Tianjin) Aircraft Leasing Company.

In a statement on the Shanghai Stock Exchange, China Southern Airlines, parent of Xiamen, said that the guarantee will help Hebei Airlines broaden its financing channels and cut its financial and leasing costs.

As of now, the Xiamen-based carrier has already provided 800 million yuan in loans to Hebei Airlines.

Hebei Airlines, 99.47% owned by Xiamen Air, now operates a fleet of 12 Boeing 737s and six Embraer E190s.