China Eastern cancels order for Boeing 787s

Boeing is losing a major customer for its new 787.

China Eastern Airlines Corp says it has cancelled an order for 24 of the planes worth more than US$3 billion at list prices. Instead, the Hong Kong-based airline will take 45 new Boeing 737s worth about the same amount.

China Eastern also says it will buy 15 new Airbus A330s, worth about $2.5 billion at list prices.

Last month, Boeing finally delivered the first 787 to a customer, but it was three years late. The delays have forced airlines to revise their fleet plans and have cost Boeing goodwill with its airline customers.

Chicago-based Boeing Company still has orders for about 800 of the 787s.

Boeing shares rose 92 cents, or 1.5 per cent, to US$62.70 in late morning trading Tuesday.