Boeing

The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered two Boeing 737s to affiliates of China Eastern Airlines. China Eastern Airlines Wuhan received its first 737-800 with Blended Winglets, and China Eastern Yunnan Airlines received a new 737-700.

Both new airplanes are being leased through International Lease Finance Corp. (ILFC), based in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"We are committed to the continued success of our Chinese airline partners," said Rob Laird, vice president, China Sales -- Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "The 737 provides industry-leading reliability, profitability, and passenger satisfaction, allowing China Eastern Wuhan and China Eastern Yunnan to enhance their domestic systems and capitalize on the growing demand for air travel in China."

China Eastern and its affiliate airlines will receive 13 Boeing 737s from ILFC this year. In addition, China Eastern Airlines in December ordered six Boeing 737-700s, for delivery in 2006, for the airline's future fleet development.

China Eastern currently operates 43 Boeing 737s, comprising 737-700s, -800s and -300s. The airline's commitment to the 737 family totals 61 airplanes.

The Next-Generation 737 family (737-600/-700/-800/-900) is the newest and most technologically advanced in the single-aisle market. The 737 has the lowest operating costs in its class, offers superior reliability and maintainability and provides exceptional flexibility. The airplanes feature an advanced flight deck with the latest large flat-panel display technology and are designed to fly higher, faster, farther, quieter and with greater fuel efficiency than competing models.

The 737s are powered by CFM56-7 engines produced by CFMI, a joint venture of General Electric Co. of the United States and Snecma of France.

China Eastern is also one of the new Boeing 787 Dreamliner customers, as announced recently at a signing ceremony in Washington, D.C.