Boeing, Air China sign agreements on 45 jetliners

 The Boeing Company on Thursday signed an agreement to sell 15 777-300ER and 30 next-generation 737-800 jetliners to Air China.

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

"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," he said.

Rob Laird, vice president, China and East Asia Sales of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said: "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."

"Air China's expansion and renewal program demonstrates their commitment to improving fuel efficiency and reducing environmental impact, a commitment that Boeing shares," said Rod.

According to the statement by Boeing, the deal is worth approximately 6.3 billion U.S. dollars at average list prices. To date, 56 customers around the world have ordered more than 1,080 777s, 115 customers have ordered more than 4,800 Next-Generation 737s.