Boeing wins $1.2 billion order for 737s, 777s

Boeing Co., set to boost production of its planes starting next year, said it won orders for fifteen single-aisle 737 jets and five twin-aisle 777s.

The new orders would be valued at about $1.2 billion, based on average list prices. Chicago-based Boeing didn't name the customers in its weekly website update. Contracts were canceled for one 737 and two 777s, according to the website.

The company identified Continental Airlines Inc. as having bought seven 737s that were included in the backlog earlier this year. Air China Ltd. said last weekend it agreed to buy four 777s.

Boeing, which cut production because of the recession- induced travel slump, plans to raise output starting next year. The company said in July it had lifted its internal orders forecast twice this year as demand recovered. It said then it would decide by December whether to boost the production rate of the 737 even higher, which would be the third such increase announced this year.