Boeing inks deal with Chinese airline

SEATTLE — Boeing Co. said Wednesday that it had completed a deal with Chinese carrier Xiamen Airlines to order 10 737-800s, setting a record for airplane sales.

Including this order, Chicago-based Boeing said it has sold 6,025 737s, more than any other commercial airplane model.

The order would be worth between $635 million and $720 million at list prices, although airlines typically bargain a significant discount.

It is part of a 70-plane commitment that Chinese carriers made when President Bush visited China in November, but Boeing said Wednesday that the order wasn't finalized until a few days ago.

Xiamen Airlines is jointly owned by China Southern Airlines Co. Ltd. and Xiamen C&D Corp. Ltd.

The airplanes are scheduled to be delivered between mid-2006 and 2007.