Xiamen Airlines (MF) on Friday agreed to purchase 40 Boeing Next-Generation 737-800s. The order, which is valued at $ 3.5 billion at list prices, requires Chinese government approval. According to Boeing, after approval is granted the order will be posted to its Orders & Deliveries website.

MF, a privately owned subsidiary of China Southern Airlines, plans to use the aircraft for more international routes to meet growing passenger traffic in Asia-Pacific and China ( ATW Daily News, Jan. 4 ).

MF currently operates an all-Boeing fleet of six 757s and 77 Next-Generation 737 aircraft. The carrier plans to grow its operational fleet to 200 airplanes by the end of year 2020.