Boeing poised for major China jet order

[United Press International]

SEATTLE, May 4 (UPI) -- Boeing could be on the verge of
receiving a huge aircraft order from a consortium of six Chinese
airlines.
The Seattle Times said Tuesday the proposed order for
Boeing's new 7E7 airliner would be filled prior to the 2008 Olympics
in Beijing and would eclipse last week's $6 billion order from
Japan's All Nippon Airways.
The head of Boeing's Asia sales told the Times that the
state-run airlines were already operating under time constraints if
they want to have the jets in the air before the games.
The newspaper also noted that China has in the past used
major Boeing orders to signal its feelings on the state of
Sino-American relations, and to set the stage for major
international events such as summits.
The 7E7 is Boeing's next-generation airliner that boasts
increased fuel efficiency and is designed to replace current fleets
of Boeing 767s.