Hong Kong Airlines, which is controlled by China’s Hainan Airlines Group, is believed to be the mystery unidentified customer for 15 747-8I passenger models revealed at the Paris air show this week.

The order, if confirmed, represents a major penetration into Asia for Boeing which sees the region as key to the aircraft’s future.

In addition, Boeing has also taken orders from GE Capital Aviation Services for two 747-8Fs and a further unidentified order for two more 747-8I passenger models.

Hainan Airlines Group owns 45% of Hong Kong Airlines, which is expanding internationally. Hong Kong Airlines is useful to Hainan Airlines Group because the Hong Kong carrier is free to order as many aircraft as it can afford, whereas mainland Chinese carriers need central government approval for aircraft orders. Having Hong Kong Airlines means Hainan Airlines Group can also access international markets using Hong Kong traffic rights, rather than relying solely on mainland traffic rights.