The planes are to be delivered from July 2011 to November 2015, China Eastern said in a statement filed with the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

China Eastern - the target of ongoing fierce rival bids between Singapore Airlines and Air China - has expected to return to profit in 2007, recovering from a net loss of 2.78 billion yuan (S$538.3 million) in 2006.

The company, which operated a fleet of 209 jets as of the end of June, 2007, said the purchase would 'help the company meet fast-growing demand in short and medium-distance flight market'.

Boeing and European aircraft maker Airbus are locked in a fierce battle for a share of the fast-growing Chinese aviation market. Airbus estimates China will needs 2,650 passenger planes from 2006 to 2025. -- AFP