Boeing announces $6.3 billion, 45 aircraft order from Air China

Farnborough, United Kingdom: The Boeing Co has announced an order from Air China for 15 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 30 Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners. The order is worth approximately $6.3 billion at list prices.

Air China, the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, will use the airplanes to expand its international and domestic routes. "These airplanes are the most fuel efficient in their classes," said Kong Dong, chairman of Air China. "The 777-300ER will be the backbone of our long-haul international fleet and the new 737-800 will support our hub build-up and our company's domestic strategy."

The Beijing-based carrier, also a full member of the Star Alliance, is the only Chinese airline selected as a 2008 Beijing Olympics partner.

"Our long-standing and productive partnership with Air China goes back to the airline's beginning and we're proud to be part of their success," said Rob Laird, vice president, China & East Asia Sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "Air China's expansion and renewal programme demonstrates their commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, a commitment that Boeing shares."

According to Boeing, the 777 family is the market leader in the 300-to-400-seat segment. First deployed in service in June1995, the family has continually grown to include five passenger models and a freighter version. 

So far, 56 customers around the world have ordered more than 1,080 B777s, making it the most successful twin-engine wide-body airplane on the market. Boeing is currently working on an order backlog of more than 350 of these aircraft.

Boeing has more than 2,200 unfilled orders for the Next-Generation 737, valued at more than $160 billion at current list prices.