Air China orders Boeing planes

[21st July 2008]

Air China, the flag carrying airline of the People's Republic of China, has ordered 30 Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners and 15 777-300ERs.

"These airplanes are the most fuel efficient in their classes. 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," said Air China chairman, Kong Dong.

The airline is based in Beijing and is the only Chinese airline selected as a partner for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The order is worth about $6.3 billion at average list prices, and was announced at the Farnborough Air Show last week.

"Air China's expansion and renewal program demonstrates their commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, a commitment that Boeing shares," commented Boeing vice president for China & East Asia Sales, Rob Laird.

Also at Farnborough, Boeing secured an order for 35 Next -Generation 737-800 planes from Kuala Lumpur based Malaysia Airlines worth $2.6 billion at current list prices.

"This new fleet of Next-Generation 737-800s will replace our existing 737-400 fleet, allowing Malaysia Airlines to expand to points which were not previously economically viable and will create a strong platform for the airline to profitably grow," said Malaysia Airlines Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer Tengku Azmil Zahruddin.

The new 737 planes will be fitted with Blended Winglets, which are said to improve fuel efficiency by up to four percent, increase range, and reduce CO2 emissions and take off noise.

Written by: Nick Purdom

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