Chinese airlines will sign a US$6 billion deal with Boeing company in early August for purchasing 50 Boeing B787 jetliners, according to sources from the State Development and Reform Commission.
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The first plane is expected to be delivered to China in June 2008 for the purpose of the Beijing Olympic Games.
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The Chinese airlines involved in the deal include the national carrier, Air China, the Shanghai-based China Eastern Airlines, Hainan Airlines in south China's Hainan Province, Xiamen Airlines in Fujian Province and the Shanghai Airlines.
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It is reported that B787 is the latest product of Boeing and it consumes 20 percent less fuel compared with similar planes. Besides, its maintenance cost is 15 percent less.
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Industry insiders say that the new planes can better meet the demand of China's fast-growing civil aviation industry. They can help airlines reduce operating expenses, provide better services to passengers and enhance competitiveness.?

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2005)