Xiamen Airlines is negotiating with Boeing to order 25 737-800s valued at US$2.1 billion, with the aircraft to be delivered in the 2011-13 timeframe if a deal can be reached.

"We will offer a favorable price to Xiamen Airlines, as its fleet is virtually all Boeing," Commercial Airplanes President Scott Carson noted during his recent trip to Xiamen. Currently the carrier operates 43 Boeing aircraft comprising four 737-300s, six 737-500s, 15 737-700s, nine 737-800s and nine 757-200s. One additional 737-800 will be delivered in August 2007.

Xiamen Airlines GM Yang Guanghua predicted the fleet will rise to 69 by the end of 2010 as the company already has placed a firm order for 22 737-800s valued at US$1.8 billion. Fifteen of those reportedly were part of the order for 150 737NGs placed by China Aviation Supplies Import and Export Group last year.

The airline also will lease 14 737-800s, 10 of which will replace four 737-300s and six 737-500s next year. It said it will "boost flight frequencies and add more routes to Southeast Asia and Northeast Asia" with the new aircraft.