Air China (601111.SH, 0753.HK) has ordered 20 737-800 airplanes from Chicago-based Boeing (BA.NYSE), state media reported. The nearly US$1.4 billion order would expand Air China’s existing fleet by about 5% from December 2009. The twin-engine, narrow-body jets will be delivered between 2013 and 2015, Air China said, and would be purchased with "cash in installments," funded through cash generated by Air China’s businesses, bank loans and "other financing instruments." The 737s will be used for domestic and short-haul international routes. Air China currently has about 130 planes on order, in addition to 256 aircraft in service.