NEW YORK (AFP) - US aerospace giant Boeing said Thursday it had won an order for 50 aircraft from China Eastern Airlines, worth US$4.6 billion (S$6.2 billion) at list prices.

"Boeing is delighted with China Eastern Airlines' decision to purchase 50 Next-Generation 737-800s," the company said in a statement.

The Shanghai-based airline plans to use the single-aisle 737s, the world's best-selling airplane, for operation by its subsidiary China United Airlines, it said.

China Eastern has a fleet of more than 430 long-haul and short-haul aircraft serving nearly 80 million travelers annually, according to its website.

A member of the SkyTeam airline alliance, China Eastern said it ranks among the world's top five airlines by passenger transportation volume.

Shares in Dow member Boeing jumped 1.2 per cent to US$143.65 in midday trade on the New York Stock Exchange.