Boeing announced late yesterday the signing of a general purchase agreement with China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group for 80 737NGs, completing a deal launched last November with a commitment for 70 737s made at the Dubai Air Show (ATWOnline, April 11).

Fifty of the 70 aircraft eventually were booked the following month, with the remaining 20 ordered in January. The airframer said it would finalize agreements for the distribution of the new aircraft order with individual Chinese carriers in the coming weeks.

Boeing said the 737 family comprises 41% of China's fleet of 542 passenger aircraft.