China Eastern Airlines has ordered 20 Airbus A350-900s and 15 Boeing 787-9s.

“The introduction of the latest-generation A350 XWB aircraft demonstrates that the partnership between China Eastern Airlines and Airbus has embarked on a new phase,” said Liu Shaoyong, chairman of China Eastern. “The introduction of A350 XWB will play a very important role in promoting our operational capability, profitability and service brand on our international long haul routes and opening a new chapter in the international development of China Eastern Airlines.”

The Boeing order is valued at almost US$4 billion at current list prices.

“We are very happy to introduce the new 787 Dreamliners into our long-haul fleet,” said Liu. “The addition of these next-generation, fuel-efficient airplanes will play a key role in supporting China Eastern’s strategy for international expansion, and enable us to realize profits in point-to-point routes across the Pacific Ocean, and between China and Europe.”

According to Boeing, the airline is planning to use the new aircraft to boost frequencies on its current routes from Shanghai to Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco and Toronto, which are all operated with 777-300ERs.

The Shanghai-based carrier operates a fleet of more than 400 Airbus and Boeing aircraft.