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.
 
The first plane is expected to be delivered to China in June 2008 for the purpose of the Beijing Olympic Games.
 
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.
 
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.
 
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)