Boeing signs Air China order

has signed an order worth $6.3bn with

for 15 777-300ER (Extended Range) and 30 Next-Generation 737-800 aircraft.

Beijing-based Air China operates international and domestic scheduled passenger and cargo services, and will use the aircraft to expand its international and domestic routes.

‘The 777-300ER will be the backbone of our long-haul international fleet and the new 737-800 will support our hub build-up and our company's domestic strategy,’ said Kong Dong, chairman of Air China.

Since the first 777 went into service in June 1995, Boeing has expanded the family to include five passenger models and a freighter version.

To date, 56 customers around the world have ordered more than 1,080 777s.