China agrees to buy 80 Boeing 737s

updated 8:32 p.m. ET April 11, 2006

SEATTLE - Boeing Co. said Tuesday it had struck a tentative agreement with China to purchase 80 narrow-body 737 airplanes.

The deal is valued at $4.6 billion at list prices, although customers typically negotiate steep discounts. It is expected to be finalized with individual Chinese carriers in the next few weeks.

The agreement is in addition to 70 airplanes China agreed to buy from the Chicago-based jetmaker in November, as part of a planned 150-plane purchase.

It was announced amid high-level meetings between Chinese and U.S. officials, and comes a week before Chinese President Hu Jintao is scheduled to visit the United States. His trip includes a tour of Boeing’s Everett, Wash. plant.

In December, China agreed to buy 150 of rival Airbus SAS’ jets, in a deal valued at more than $9 billion at list prices.

MORE FROM AVIATION

Aviation Section Front

U.K. court: British Airways can bar strike Boeing has much to prove with 787 U.K. transit crews may follow British Air strike Southwest Air tops list of best places to work Mechanics target overseas airline maintenance Boeing 787 takes flight after two-year delay British Airways crew to strike over Christmas Boeing: 787’s first flight may be Dec. 15 Boeing’s delayed 747-8 completes engine test American, partners offer $1.1 billion to JAL Aviation Section Front   Add Aviation headlines to your news reader: