China-based Okay Airways has entered into a commitment with Boeing for 12 737 aircraft, including eight MAX 8s, three 737 MAX 9s, and one next-generation 737-900ER extended range jet.

The $1.3bn contract at current list prices is yet to receive approval from the Chinese Government.

Said to be the first order for 737 MAX 9 aircraftby a Chinese airline, the commitment will increase Okay Airways’ 737 MAX fleet to 17 aircraft.

" The reaffirmation of additional 737-900ERs and 737 MAX 8s is a testament to the success that Okay Airways has established with the 737 family."

The agreement includes options for eight more 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

Okay Airways chairman Wang Shusheng said: "The Boeing Next-Generation 737 has been the mainstay of our fleet since we started operations.

"The introduction of additional 737s, including the new 737 MAX, will further modernise our fleet and ensure we operate the most efficient fleet well into the future."

Currently, the airline operates 14 737-800s, three 737-900ERs and one Boeing 737-300 freighter.

Boeing Commercial Airplanes president and CEO Ray Conner said: "The reaffirmation of additional 737-900ERs and 737 MAX 8s is a testament to the success that Okay Airways has established with the 737 family.

"We look forward to extending our partnership with Okay for decades to come."

The 737 Max aircraft, an upgraded version of Boeing’s narrow-body, single-aisle jet line, is said to consume 20% less fuel than the first next-generation 737 jets.

So far, Boeing has received 3,072 orders for 737 MAX family from 62 customers across the globe.

Last December, UK-based budget carrier Jet2.com finalised order for three more next generation Boeing 737-800s, worth $288m at current list prices.