Chinese airlines to spend US$4bn on Boeings

Three Chinese airlines, Air China, China Eastern Airlines, and Xiamen Airlines, have confirmed orders for 33 Boeing passenger aircraft, in a deal that may be worth almost US$4bn, the Standard of Hong Kong reported. The B787 Dreamliner aircraft are due for delivery to the Hong Kong-listed carriers in time for the expected influx of visitors to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The aircraft will carry 223 passengers or more on routes of up to 15,700km. Unlisted Shanghai Airlines will also buy nine of the aircraft, state media reported separately.