Chinese Airline orders 50 Boeing Planes

{{Shandong Airlines, one of China’s smaller carriers, said it has agreed to buy 50 passenger planes from US manufacturer Boeing for $4.6 billion, in another sign of the country’s growing demand for air travel.}}

The company signed an agreement with Boeing on Monday to purchase 16 Boeing 737-800s and 34 Boeing 737 MAX planes, a statement said, in a drive to grow its fleet for future business expansion.

China’s commercial airline industry is dominated by the “Big Three” – flag carrier Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines – but a move towards greater competition has seen the growth of smaller players.

The order represents a win for Boeing in the giant Chinese market and a vote of confidence in its newest family of single-aisle planes, the 737 MAX, which promises greater fuel efficiency.

The manufacturer will begin deliveries of the 737 MAX to global customers beginning in 2017, according to Boeing’s website.

Boeing could not be immediately reached to confirm the order.

{wirestory}