Boeing Seals Air China Deal for Five 747-8s

Boeing converted a tentative order for five 747-8 Intercontinentals from Air China to firm status on its Orders and Deliveries web site today, marking the end of a roughly year-and-a-half-long wait for Chinese government approval.

The order—the first for the 747-8 since GECAS committed to two Freighter versions of the jumbo jet in July last year—raises the total number of 747-8s on firm order to 111. Boeing has so far delivered 27 of the airplanes since launch customer Cargolux to the first 747-8F in October last year.