Xiamen Airlines to Order 40 Boeing 737-800s

Xiamen Airlines has agreed to purchase 40 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s.

The airline plans to use the airplanes for more international routes to meet growing passenger traffic in Asia Pacific and China.

The order, which is valued at $3.5 billion at list prices, requires Chinese Government approval.

"Xiamen Airlines is a valued customer of the Boeing Company and we are delighted that Xiamen has decided to add to their expanding Next-Generation 737 fleet," said Ihssane Mounir, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Greater China and Korea, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "This commitment from one of the fastest growing airlines in the world is a testament to the world's best-selling airplane and the many advantages the Next-Generation 737 provides to the airline and its passengers."

Xiamen Airlines currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of six 757 airplanes and 77 Next-Generation 737 airplanes. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes by the end of year 2020.

The 737 can seat 162 passengers in dual class and up to 189 passengers in a high density configuration.

Xiamen-based Xiamen Airlines is a privately-owned subsidiary of China Southern Airlines.

See other recent news regarding: Travel News Asia, Interviews, Pictures, Sports Tourism, Videos, Xiamen Airlines, China Southern, Boeing, 737-800