Boeing awarded $1.3 billion

Boeing and Jade Cargo International, the first cargo airline in China with foreign ownership, have completed a firm order worth $1.3 billion for the carrier's purchase of six Boeing 747-400ER Freighters.

Boeing

and Jade Cargo International, the first cargo airline in

China

with foreign ownership, have completed a firm order for the carrier's purchase of six Boeing 747-400ER (

Extended Range

) Freighters.

The airplanes, with a list price value of $1.3 billion, are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2006 through January 2008. Jade Cargo, based in Shenzhen, China, plans to begin operations in 2006.

"China is a key manufacturing centre for the world, producing a number of high-value goods that are good candidates for air shipment," commented Dr. Rudolf Tewes, general manager -- Jade Cargo International.

The 747-400ERF has a maximum takeoff weight of 910,000 pounds (412,775kg), a maximum payload of 248,600 pounds (112,760kg) and a maximum range of 4,970 nautical miles (9,200km).

Jade Cargo International, founded in October 2004 and the first joint venture airline of its kind in China, is owned by Shenzhen Airlines, Lufthansa Cargo and DEG - Deutsche Investitions - und Entwicklungsgesellschaft, a subsidiary of KfW-Bank Group.

Along with destinations within China, the airline plans to serve additional Asian, European and American destinations.