Story ID: 
Air China Orders 20 Boeing 737-800s
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: Boeing has finalized an order with Air China, the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, for 20 Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners, the manufacture
Word Count: 156
Boeing has finalized an order with Air China, the flag carrier of the People's Republic of China, for 20 Next-Generation 737-800 jetliners, the manufacturer announced today.

Air China operates international and domestic passenger and cargo services. The carrier plans to use the airplanes to expand its domestic routes.

“Our long-standing and productive partnership with Air China goes back to the airline's beginning, and we're proud to be part of their success,” said Jim Simon, vice president, China sales, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. “Air China's order reflects our solid partnership and the proven performance of the Next-Generation 737 in its fleet.”

Boeing announced in June that it will increase production rates on the 737 program to 35 airplanes per month in 2012 in an effort to meet continued strong demand. Boeing holds unfilled orders for more than 2,000 Next Generation 737s from customers around the world.