China’s government was last week poised to place a bulk order with Boeing for up to 150 737-700/800s during a visit to China from 19-21 November by US president George Bush. In China the size of a bulk order is often only decided by top officials in government on the day it is due to be announced.
The deal would include confirmation of an order for 45 737s that China Southern Airlines announced earlier this year, say industry sources. That order has yet to be formally booked by Boeing.
If a major order is not announced during the visit, say the sources, Boeing will still be hopeful that a large number of new 737 orders can still be secured from China before the end of the year.
Source: Flight International
