Xiamen Airlines has ordered 25 Next-Generation 737-800s airplanes from the US-based Boeing Co, according to the Chinese company.

The order is worth US$1.9 billion based on 2007 average list prices.

"This order allows us to expand our fleet with the most fuel-efficient airplanes in their class," said Yang Guanghua, president of Xiamen Airlines.

The Boeing 737 will help us meet our goal of reducing operating costs, he said.

"The order marks another great milestone in our partnership with Xiamen Airlines as it embarks on its strategic fleet expansion plan," said Rob Laird, vice president of sales of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Greater China.

According to the US company, as of the end of July, total orders for all 737 airplanes stood at 7,153 while those for Next-Generation 737s were 4,021.

(Xinhua News Agency September 3, 2007)